The renovation of existing buildings is one of the main challenges for achieving the European Union’s energy efficiency and decarbonisation objectives. While geothermal heat pump systems are recognised as one of the most efficient renewable technologies for heating and cooling, their application in existing urban areas and historical buildings is often limited by high installation costs, lack of available space, and restrictions associated with the preservation of architectural heritage. Innovative geothermal solutions are therefore needed to facilitate the integration of renewable energy systems into buildings undergoing renovation without compromising their historical or structural value.

The GEO4CIVHIC project aimed to develop and demonstrate innovative, easy-to-install and cost-effective shallow geothermal technologies specifically designed for the energy retrofitting of civil and historical buildings. The project focused on reducing installation costs while improving the energy performance of ground-source heat pump (GSHP) systems by developing advanced borehole heat exchangers, thermally enhanced grouting materials, innovative drilling techniques, and optimised system designs. These technologies were demonstrated in different European climatic conditions to validate their technical, economic and environmental performance.

A key objective of GEO4CIVHIC was to facilitate the large-scale deployment of shallow geothermal systems in urban environments by overcoming the technical and economic barriers associated with conventional installations. The project developed new design methodologies, monitoring systems and operational strategies to maximise energy efficiency while minimising installation time, drilling requirements and environmental impact. The demonstration activities provided valuable evidence of the feasibility of integrating geothermal energy into existing buildings, including heritage sites where conventional renewable energy technologies are often difficult to implement.

By combining research, technological innovation and large-scale demonstration, GEO4CIVHIC contributed to advancing shallow geothermal energy as a reliable, sustainable and economically competitive renewable energy solution for building renovation. The project supports the European transition towards nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEB) while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase renewable energy use and improve the energy performance of Europe’s existing building stock.

GEO4CIVHIC Project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 792355.