Discovering the EUB SuperHub Platform: A Holistic Approach to Building Energy and Sustainability

The EUB SuperHub platform, an innovative and interactive cloud data hub, brings together four modules: the E-Passport Cockpit (E-Cockpit), Planning and Verification Tool (PVT) module, Virtual Marketplace (VM), and the E-Training module. Intended to work as an interlocking system, these modules present a comprehensive approach to improving energy efficiency and sustainability performance in buildings.

Following thorough research, workshops, and prior work, our team has established the core functions of each module, with each function meticulously detailed using a unified template. This template aids in understanding every function's operation, utility, and the required criteria for activation. It also allows for a comprehensive understanding of the interplay of these modules in a holistic system.

Upon entering the EUB SuperHub platform, users are greeted with a landing page - the gateway to all platform modules. Here, shortcuts to the E-cockpit, VM, E-training, and account management modules, along with other platform support functions, are neatly presented.

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Figure 1: EUB SuperHub platform schematic

 

This landing page also houses the entry points to the VM and E-cockpit modules, as well as the independent E-training module. To maintain seamless user experience, both the E-training platform and the other modules share and exchange information, allowing cross-platform utility.

At its heart, the VM module is a match-making platform that brings together different stakeholders such as building owners, users, auditors, and service providers. This feature enables building owners to connect with qualified service providers and facilitates data exchange and verification for EPC and EUB SuperHub certificate issuance.

Figure 2: A schematic showing the The main functions of the four modules  of the  EUB SuperHub platform

 

Acting as an open access data and communication hub, the E-cockpit module allows stakeholders to view essential information about the existing building stock and related certificates in real-time. Thanks to the information available in the PVT database, multi-building analyses can be conducted, facilitating a holistic vision of the building performance and necessary improvements for policy-makers and city planners.

In contrast to the E-cockpit, the PVT module, an editable and "private" extension of the E-cockpit, is more focused on single buildings. Here, building owners can store and track energy-related building data and decide which information to share publicly or with other VM users. Users can also use the digital building logbook (DBL) to monitor their building's performance and simulate potential interventions and retrofitting options.

In conclusion, the EUB SuperHub platform functions as a comprehensive one-stop solution, harmonizing various systems, assessment schemes, certifications, and stakeholder groups into a unified platform. By ensuring transparency, it unleashes the full potential of next-generation EPCs, making their creation, communication, and utilization holistic and harmonized across the stakeholder's value chain.

 

Article written by Francesca Monaco