ReNova

ReNova is an innovative circular living lab located on the Aalst campus of Odisee University College, focused on strengthening smart skills within the construction sector. The initiative aims to train students to become professionals who are both technically and digitally proficient, possess systems thinking capabilities, and have circular awareness. By investing in a learning environment where theory and practice converge, ReNova makes a sustainable contribution to the labor market in the Dender region.

The creation of ReNova originated from the SimBIoZo project, which focused on repurposing a building (“the villa”) with structural construction issues into a simulation environment for healthcare. This exploration served as the foundation for a broader ambition: establishing a fully-fledged circular training and demonstration center where students actively participate in testing, evaluating, and showcasing circular and energy-efficient strategies in residential construction.

The renovation of “the villa” serves as the physical starting point of this living lab. Here, it is demonstrated how circular construction principles can be effectively applied within an operational educational context. Students gain experience with material reuse, life cycle analysis (LCA), and spatial and technical reversibility, supported by digital tools such as the Circular Compass (a process-oriented decision-making instrument) and CircuFit (a toolkit for circular actions during the construction process).

In addition to digitalization in the construction process, emphasis is placed on energy and climate management, including heating, cooling, ventilation, and digital control. Students learn to design a comfortable and energy-efficient indoor climate, with attention to natural elements and the application of energy-saving and renewable technologies.

The site functions as a training hub for students from various disciplines—construction, real estate, energy, and climate control—where they delve into systems thinking, circular decision-making, and digital competencies. In collaboration with expertise centers in biodiversity and healthcare, attention is also given to “healthy living” as an integral part of circular building.

Through the integration of digital tools and hybrid teaching methods, the building transforms into both a demonstrator and a learning environment. Students become familiar with monitoring tools and develop essential skills for the future of the construction sector. Furthermore, the project illustrates the added value of circular choices regarding maintenance, reuse, and life extension.

ReNova distinguishes itself from previous initiatives through its catalytic role in innovation and circular construction techniques in the Dender region. The project addresses current regional challenges, such as the shortage of technical personnel, the need for sustainable renovation solutions, and the digitalization of the construction sector. By linking education, innovation, and collaboration, ReNova lays a solid foundation for a structural, future-oriented transition in construction practices.