ALCHEMAI: Advanced Low Carbon Heat and Energy Modelling Accelerating Investment

Advanced Low Carbon Heat and Energy Modelling Accelerating Investment (ALCHEMAI) will transform how we carry out retrofits and building upgrades to millions of non-domestic buildings in the UK.

There are over 2 million non-domestic buildings in the UK, which generate 9% of our carbon emissions (UK Government figures). It is commonly accepted that 80% of the buildings which exist in 2050 have already been built, meaning that 1.6m of non-domestic building will require some degree of retrofit intervention. However, the current approach to building upgrades is filled with uncertainty, assumptions and sub-optimal performance. This higher risk means that vital facilities within our communities, such as leisure centres, community hubs, schools and healthcare facilities, are at the risk of closure because they are becoming too expensive to run, and too risky to retrofit.

Our disruptive project brings to market intuitive optimised pathways for sustainable building upgrades, using immersive Digital Twins (DTs), to fuse sensor technology, Passivhaus Retrofit, low carbon electricity trading, local renewables and flexibility to deliver accessible, affordable clean heating for a diverse range of buildings and occupants. This will:

\*Determine optimised building upgrades.

\*Minimise payback horizon.

\*Create a range of demonstrator sites.

\*Minimise equivalent CO2 emissions.

\*Maintain comfort level and building integrity.

\*Enable building upgrades at scale and accessible to all.