Partner presentation: Center for Energy, Environment and Economy (CEEE)

The Center for Energy, Environment and Economy (CEEE) is a transdisciplinary research and strategy hub at Özyeğin University. CEEE focusses on thermal systems, radiative transfer research and applications, as well as on sustainable building systems, climate-resilient retrofit solutions, and occupant-centered design. CEEE develops science-based and actionable frameworks that integrate energy efficiency, digital infrastructure, and user experience into high-performance buildings and districts as well as into industrial systems. Through national, international and EU-funded projects, the Center bridges academic research with real-world demonstration, driving innovation in the built environment as well as in the industry.

Interview answered by:

Prof. Dr. M. Pınar Mengüç

Director, Center for Energy, Environment and Economy (CEEE)
Özyeğin University – Istanbul, Türkiye

Role of your organization in the project:
Within the LEGOFIT project, the Center for Energy, Environment and Economy (CEEE) at Özyeğin University leads the Turkish pilot and contributes to the design, implementation, and long-term evaluation of integrated renovation strategies. Our role encompasses both the deployment of passive and active energy retrofit solutions, as well as the development of a performance monitoring infrastructure based on occupant behavior, environmental data, and system feedback. CEEE provides a unique academic and operational environment to test and validate renovation pathways at scale, and actively contributes to several work packages across the project—particularly in relation to technical scenario analysis, digital integration, and stakeholder engagement.

Why is Legofit important to your organization/pilot site?
LEGOFIT aligns closely with CEEE’s mission to develop climate-responsive, energy-efficient, and socially adaptive renovation models for the existing building stock in Türkiye and the surrounding region. The project offers a unique opportunity to pilot a combination of renewable energy systems, storage technologies, smart control mechanisms, and advanced insulation materials within an operational student dormitory—thereby bridging the gap between research and real-world implementation. More importantly, LEGOFIT enables us to explore how such interventions interact with user behavior and building operation, contributing directly to our broader goal of designing buildings that are not only technically efficient, but also resilient, adaptive, and inclusive.

Main objectives of your pilot site in LEGOFIT project
The core objective of the Turkish pilot of the LEGOFIT project is to implement and evaluate a modular and scalable retrofitting strategy that integrates passive upgrades with active HVAC and control systems under real operating conditions. By deploying technologies such as aerogel insulation, PV-battery integration, mechanical systems with heat recovery, and a comprehensive Energy Management System (EMS), we aim to generate robust datasets that inform both energy performance and user comfort metrics. Our pilot further investigates the role of user feedback in system optimization and contributes to the development of digital interfaces and behavioral engagement models. These outcomes are intended to support national renovation efforts while demonstrating the feasibility of advanced retrofitting methods in the higher education sector.

Expectations from LEGOFIT:
We expect LEGOFIT project is to establish a practical, adaptable framework for deep renovation that can inform policy makers, influence market dynamics, and accelerate the transition toward positive-energy buildings. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-pilot learning, the project is well-positioned to deliver technological, behavioral, and digital innovations that can be scaled beyond individual sites. For CEEE, LEGOFIT project also catalyzes deeper engagement with both the European and local stakeholders—providing strategic insight into how retrofitting practices can be contextualized to local climates, user profiles, and infrastructural constraints. Ultimately, we see LEGOFIT project as a critical step in redefining renovation as a systemic transformation process rather than a purely technical upgrade.