This paper is based on the results of the research project PROFICIENT-SME Network Business Model for Collective Self-Organized Processes in the Construction and Retrofit of Energy-Efficient Residential Districts [European Union (EU) 7th Framework Program 2012-2016], which aimed to create large business opportunities for small medium enterprises (SMEs) in the construction sector. This was achieved by exploiting the emerging process of collective self-organized (CSO) housing by constructing and retrofitting energy-efficient residential districts. The primary goal is to illustrate the potential of an optimized energy-saving approach at a district level within the CSO housing model. The self-organized housing process, through which a group of homeowners performs new construction or retrofits projects at a district scale, reflects a growing awareness of sustainability and energy-efficient building (EeB) technologies. This awareness highlights an emergent strategy that can satisfy the goal of the 20-20-20 EU energy policies. A methodology is proposed to guide the most appropriate business cases that will enable SMEs to identify the most efficient and effective applications of technical solutions, mainly focusing on district generation systems on a large scale. Supporting the methodology is an existing case study and a virtual simulation, which demonstrate how the business model to optimize energy savings can be led by an SME. (C) 2018 American Society of Civil Engineers.

Collective Self-Organised CSO housing projects are an emerging trend in Europe. In these projects communities engage in co-design throughout the process. Little knowledge exists that can support CSOs with the process of managing their projects by using state-of-the-art building information BI technologies. The authors introduce a BI supported CSO housing design process that can support CSOs through all stages in the design process, from early conceptual location planning through to selection of interior finishing. They illustrate the project using a demonstrative illustration of a CSO housing design process. The paper will concentrate on the development of innovative Collaborative Design Technology CDT solutions. The tools will be demonstrated on the basis of an illustrative demonstration case in which the CSO-process is combined with an IFD Industrial, Flexible and Durable building system. The particular advantages for architectural design practice will be highlighted throughout and gaps in the literature addressed.