MATRYCS's first replication workshop together with Google, 25th May, 2022

The first MATRYCS replication workshop took place on 25 May 2022 as part of the online event, “Data-driven tools to enhance buildings decarbonisation”. The main goal was to explore how digital technologies and data-driven tools could support cities in advancing a low carbon transition in the buildings sector.
Buildings in the EU are responsible for 40% of our consumed energy, and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions. Understanding the energy performance of buildings and improving their energy efficiency has a key role to play in achieving the ambitious goal of carbon-neutrality by 2050, set out in the European Green Deal. However, building data availability, accessibility, quality and comparability issues remain a big challenge, currently holding back evidence-based policy-making in Europe.
During the workshop facilitated by ICLEI Europe, the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and Google, participants heard from buildings experts on how digital tools could support cities in identifying new and innovative ways to assess their building stock and reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. During the session, they were encouraged to test the MATRYCS Toolbox and Google Environmental Insights Explorer (EIE).
First, Andreas Jaeger (ICLEI Europe) highlighted the importance of the building sector in the decarbonisation of cities, and their data needs should they wish to rapidly advance their Sustainability and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs) and related processes. Andreas also introduced the following speakers.
Following Andreas, Vaggelis Marinakis, assistant professor at NTUA, introduced the MATRYCS Toolbox and the importance of new data sources and Artificial Intelligence models to inform building decarbonisation decision-making processes.
Third, Marcelo Lampkowski (ICLEI Europe) and Nikos Dimitropoulos (NTUA) presented the functionalities of the MATRYCS Toolbox, focusing on how they can be used by cities in Europe and beyond, with an emphasis on informing SECAPs and their mitigation actions.
Next, Marisa Leung, Google’s Environmental Insights Explorer tech lead, shared an overview of the Google EIE tool and details of the buildings insight, including the methodologies and data provided by the tool for use by cities.
Following Marisa's presentation, Andreas mediated a Q&A session, during which time the participants asked questions about the two presented tools.
Finally, Andreas closed the session by inviting the participants to explore both tools and reach out to speakers in case of further questions or suggestions. He also asked the audience to stay tuned for information on future workshops.
If you missed the workshop, you are invited to watch the recording here.