On January 2025, the University of Catania hosted the first e-TRAINING event, a training activity designed to transfer knowledge about the e-SAFE solutions. The target group of e-SAFE training activities are engineers, architects, manufacturers, and construction companies, and aim at stimulating curiosity and awareness about the e-SAFE technologies among prospective users, while also triggering their willingness to be involved in future exploitation, design and market activities.
The event, held at Città Universitaria in Catania, was recognised by the Ordini degli Ingegneri e Architetti (Associations of Engineers and Architects), which awarded training credits to participants, and was attended by 14 professionals and 8 recent graduates.
Day 1: Seminar on e-SAFE Technologies
The first day of the training featured a comprehensive seminar aimed at introducing participants to the goals, technologies, and tools developed within the e-SAFE project. Experts from the University of Catania, the University of Bologna, and industry partners (ENG, WEBO, and Deloitte) presented key aspects of seismic and energy retrofits, focusing on both the challenges and opportunities in upgrading existing buildings. Discussions covered innovative materials such as e-CLT and e-PANEL, as well as advanced structural solutions like e-EXOS. The seminar also explored the role of cutting-edge technologies, including e-THERM and e-TANK, in enhancing retrofit strategies. Architectural integration and decarbonization efforts were highlighted, emphasizing e-SAFE’s contribution to reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, methodologies and decision-support tools like e-DSS were introduced to facilitate co-design processes. The day concluded with industry insights on prefabricated panel production and financial mechanisms to support retrofitting projects.
Day 2: Hands-On Workshop
During the second meeting, the participants were divided into 5 working groups and developed, with the assistance of the e-SAFE experts, a preliminary project to redevelop a building with e-SAFE technologies. To this end, descriptive sheets were prepared of 5 buildings that could potentially be upgraded; each group chose a building and worked to define:
- Arrangement of the e-CLT and e-PANEL panels and e-EXOS trusses according to an optimisation and standardisation principle and in accordance with the design criteria underlying the technologies
- New architectural image of the building
- Preliminary dimensioning of heat pumps, tank, photovoltaic system (e-THERM)
- Calculation of electrical output of the photovoltaic system
- Plant layout and general pipe routing
- Comparison of energy performance (actual and design state)
- Calculation of intervention costs
The work was carried out with the assistance of the e-DSS tool, which allowed us to receive feedback on the usefulness and functionality of this tool.
Feedback and Future Prospects
At the end of the event, participants completed questionnaires that reflected a high level of appreciation for the training, with a common suggestion to slightly extend its duration in the future. There was strong confidence and interest in the e-SAFE technologies, although some concerns were raised regarding costs, highlighting the need for further evaluation and potential cost-reduction strategies. Participants also emphasized the importance of well-trained professionals and designers for successful implementation. Regarding the decision-support system (e-DSS), feedback suggested improving certain functionalities, such as streamlining data entry and integrating features like preliminary system sizing and solar thermal considerations. Overall, the event was well-received, with constructive feedback aimed at enhancing future editions.
The e-TRAINING consists of a series of 5 face-to-face training event in 4 different countries. The next ones will be organized in Bologna, Athens, Amsterdam and Timisoara. Stay tuned for further updates!
