The PM&VL8 focuses on the thermal-optical characterization and performance benchmarking of semi-transparent and advanced facades. This can includes different glazing systems (float, low-e, electrochromic) as well as systems for shading (louvers, screens,...) and daylighting purpose (redirecting blinds, refractive systems, …) as well es their combination towards complex fenestration systems, allowing to control the thermal as well as the visual performance of a building facade. For these products, the PM&VL8 provides a measurment service organized in three pillars: pillar-1: evaluation on component scale; pillar-2: evaluation on facade scale; pillar-3: evaluation by supplementary simulations.

The main objective of PM&VL7 is development of specific testing procedures for evaluation of connectors safety, considered as joints between envelope components and connections between envelope panels and structural elements. The proposed pilot line allows users to carry out typical tests on connections and to examine their safety in use, with reference to vibro-acoustic and thermo-humidity comfort (defined in European standards as well as not defined there). As an added value, the PM&VL7 includes additional tests characterizing the impact of environmental, chemical, biological and mechanical factors (durability) on the reduction of safety in use of connections and loss of vibro-acoustic and thermo-humidity parameters of nZEB elements due to action of these deteriorating factors.

The PM&VL6 supports the development of a holistic approach to implement new energy-efficient and user-centred dry-layered envelope solutions. It focuses specifically on health and safety requirements by offering testing, performance verification, market analysis of existing products, feasibility checks according to the existing regulations and, in case of gaps, can collaborate with SMEs and industries in general in developing a methodology to verify, validate and finally certify new innovative nZEB Envelope Enabler solutions (nEESs).

In PM&VL5 building envelope systems will be analysed with respect to the four domains of indoor environmental quality and impact on building occupants so that they can be optimized during the operation phase as well as design or redesign stage considering users’ experience. This process is necessary to improve the mutual behavioural conditions in terms of both energy-saving potential and comfort.

Exhaustive set of experimental and analytical tools to validate the performance of newly developed dynamic glazing elements (e.g., thermochromic glazing, electrochromic glazing, switchable privacy glass, smart shading systems, etc) in view of their application in building façades. Dynamic glazing (e.g., switchable smart windows) have the ability to reversibly change either its visible or solar transmission, or both, in response to an external stimulus such as electrical voltage or current, solar radiation or temperature.

Pilot Line 3 enables the evaluation of PV products for their use as building envelop products: BIPV/BAPV. The evaluation considers the reliability of the BIPV products, by means of accelerated tests the stability and quality requirements of the materials of the products will be validated for their outdoor use as an active energy component for the building.

The pilot line focuses on the test chain of innovative building envelope components and in particular on their impact on the IEQ and health requirements, as well as energy demand.

High specific and innovative testing procedures for BIPV, BIST and BIPV-T products, studying the influence of inherent coupled effects existing during the operation of their components, influencing Efficiency and Safety requirements.