On the way to EPC A: Inovum’s sustainability journey with CFP Green Buildings
Nursing home Inovum has undergone a significant transformation thanks to a sustainability project led by Renee Sanders, Construction Project Manager. The goal? To improve energy efficiency and achieve an EPC A for a building dating back to 1983, using the DUMAVA subsidy.
Expansion and sustainability
To keep care at Inovum financially viable, the number of rooms per ward had to increase from 6-7 to 9-10. This presented the perfect opportunity to reassess the building’s sustainability. Renee was determined not only to upgrade the physical aspects of the building but also to make a tangible impact on energy consumption and Inovum’s ecological footprint.
Beyond the physical renovations, strategic decisions were also made regarding the lifespan of the building. Renee explains: “The investments were aligned with an expected lifespan of around 20 more years, after which the building may be demolished. It was important to consider this when deciding where to invest and where not to. This ultimately led to a great result: shifting from EPC D to A.”
DUMAVA subsidy for sustainability
A key part of the project was securing funding for sustainability measures. Inovum successfully utilised the DUMAVA subsidy, thanks in part to an effective collaboration with CFP Green Buildings. Renee: “It’s not just about implementing measures; you also have to prove everything—such as the impact certain measures have on the final EPC rating. That can be challenging. CFP helped us tremendously with this. And with success: out of a total sustainability investment of around €800,000, we received €245,000 in subsidies, nearly 30% of the total.”
“CFP Green Buildings proved to be the ideal partner in this process. The collaboration was seamless, and we truly strengthened each other. As a result, we quickly developed the sustainability plans and successfully applied for the DUMAVA subsidy.”
– Renee Sanders, Construction Project Manager at Inovum
Implemented measures
The installation of solar panels played a key role in the sustainability plan. With 156 solar panels, Inovum can now generate a significant portion of its own energy, reducing both CO₂ emissions and energy costs. Additional focus was placed on insulating the exterior walls and optimising air and lighting systems, which were carried out alongside the expansion work.
Other important measures included the installation of meters and sub-meters to better monitor energy usage, insulating components in the technical area to minimise energy loss, and improving air circulation by sealing, cleaning, replacing, and insulating air ducts.
Profitable sustainability in healthcare
With this approach, Inovum proves that existing buildings can be significantly improved with the right strategy. Their journey to EPC A serves as an inspiration for other healthcare institutions looking to enhance sustainability. Through their modernised facilities, Inovum demonstrates how sustainable healthcare can also be financially viable, contributing to a greener future.
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