Building the Digital Twin and the EPBD

In a time of growing urbanization, climate pressure, and rapid technological transformation, the way we design, manage, and renovate buildings is undergoing a fundamental shift. Digital technologies are now essential to accelerate the energy transition in the built environment. Among them, Digital Twins — virtual replicas of physical assets — are emerging as a key innovation to drive energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve decision-making throughout a building’s lifecycle.

This is the core focus of the SmartWins Summer School 2025, a unique, hands-on learning opportunity hosted by the Politecnico di Milano – Department of Energy, and fully funded by the Horizon Europe project SmartWins (Grant No. 101078997).

Themed “Building the Digital Twin and the EPBD”, the school brings together an international panel of experts, researchers, and participants to explore the interface between cutting-edge digital methodologies and the evolving European regulatory framework — specifically, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD4).

Why a Summer School on Digital Twins and the EPBD?

The EPBD is the cornerstone of EU policy on energy efficiency in buildings. Its latest revision, EPBD4, introduces ambitious targets to decarbonize the building stock across the EU. For building professionals, researchers, and policymakers, understanding and applying the directive’s methodologies is not only a legal imperative but a strategic opportunity.

In parallel, Digital Twin technology is gaining traction in the construction and energy sectors. From design to operations and maintenance, Digital Twins enable real-time monitoring, predictive analysis, and continuous improvement. Yet, despite its promise, the practical integration of Digital Twins into energy performance workflows remains a complex task requiring both technical and methodological expertise.

The SmartWins Summer School addresses this gap. It creates an immersive setting to learn how Digital Twin approaches can operationalize the EPBD4, using real data, advanced simulation techniques, and innovative performance indicators — such as Life Cycle Global Warming Potential (GWP).

An Initiative Powered by Horizon Europe

The Summer School is part of SmartWins, a Horizon Europe-funded project that supports the development and dissemination of smart methodologies for energy-efficient renovation and operation of buildings. By focusing on replicability, standardization, and environmental performance, SmartWins aligns with the EU’s Green Deal objectives and contributes to a carbon-neutral built environment.

SmartWins does not merely generate research — it builds capacity. This Summer School exemplifies the project’s commitment to training the next generation of building professionals and researchers, equipping them with tools, knowledge, and networks to lead the green transition.

Programme Overview: Learning from the Pioneers

Over five full days (July 14–18, 2025), participants will follow a carefully structured curriculum combining theory, methodology, and case studies.

Some of the key topics include:

• Digital Twin fundamentals: definitions, system architecture, and their relevance to energy design and optimization in buildings.
• EPBD4 deep dive: legal and technical implications of the directive, including new indicators and targets.
• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle GWP: environmental performance beyond operational energy.
• Urban-scale energy modeling and building-to-grid integration.

Faculty includes experts from Politecnico di Milano, Politecnico di Torino, Kaunas University of Technology, Frederick University, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (USA), among others.

Structure, Format, and Certification

The Summer School is offered in a hybrid format, with in-person sessions at Politecnico di Milano and online access for remote participants.

• Schedule: July 14–18, 2025, 9:00–17:30
• Location: Department of Energy, BL25 Building, Via R. Lambruschini 4a, Milano
• Language: English
• Format: Lectures, live discussions, case studies
• Credits: 5 ECTS (upon final exam)
• Certificate: Attendance certificate (≥80% attendance)
• Fee: No registration fee

Who Should Apply?

This Summer School is aimed at:

• PhD students in building physics, energy systems, architecture, or sustainability
• Researchers and early-career academics
• Professionals in construction, energy, and smart infrastructure

Applications are limited to 50 participants. Selection is based on the quality of the CV and alignment with the school’s themes.

Application deadline: June 23, 2025

🔗 Apply now: https://www.polimi.it/en/corsi/master-universitari-e-corsi-post-laurea/

The Broader Impact: A Catalyst for Smarter Cities

The impact of the SmartWins Summer School goes beyond the classroom. It supports the wider European transition toward digitalized, decarbonized, and user-centered buildings. By training researchers and professionals in advanced modeling, assessment techniques, and regulatory alignment, the school contributes to:

• Improved building performance and compliance strategies
• Stronger integration between buildings and smart grids
• Data-informed urban planning and management
• Scalable methodologies for sustainable renovation

Ultimately, the school equips participants to act as change agents in the transition to sustainable, resilient cities.

Final Words: Why You Should Apply

If you’re passionate about sustainable buildings, data-driven design, and the future of urban energy systems, this Summer School offers a rare opportunity to gain in-depth expertise, connect with top experts, and earn academic recognition — all at no cost.

Join us in Milan this July. Let’s build smarter, more sustainable cities — one Digital Twin at a time.