CERTIMAC SOC. CONS. A R. L.

Their core work

CERTIMAC is an Italian research and certification centre based in Faenza, specializing in advanced ceramic materials and building energy renovation. They provide materials testing, characterization, and process development for ceramic matrix composites, while also contributing technical expertise to deep renovation programs for Mediterranean residential buildings. Their dual focus spans high-performance materials for energy applications (such as concentrated solar power) and practical energy efficiency improvements for SMEs and housing stock.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

CERTIMAC's early H2020 work (2017–2018) combined advanced materials for solar energy (NEXTOWER) with Mediterranean building renovation (HAPPEN), reflecting their dual materials-and-buildings identity. From 2020 onward, the energy renovation side clearly expanded — GEAR-at-SME and re-MODULEES added energy auditing, SME engagement, and renovation market activation, while CEM-WAVE maintained the ceramics thread as a third-party role. The trend suggests a deliberate shift toward applied energy efficiency services, with ceramics R&D becoming a supporting rather than central activity.

CERTIMAC is moving from pure materials research toward applied energy renovation services and SME support, positioning itself as a technical partner for building retrofit programs across Southern Europe.

How they like to work

CERTIMAC operates exclusively as a partner or third party — never as coordinator — suggesting they contribute specialized technical expertise rather than driving project direction. With 73 unique partners across 18 countries from just 5 projects, they join large consortia (averaging ~15 partners per project) and bring focused domain knowledge. This makes them a low-risk, plug-in contributor comfortable working within established project structures.

Despite only 5 projects, CERTIMAC has built a broad network of 73 partners spanning 18 countries, indicating they consistently join large European consortia rather than small bilateral collaborations. Their base in the Emilia-Romagna ceramics district (Faenza) connects them to one of Europe's most concentrated advanced materials clusters.

What sets them apart

CERTIMAC sits at the intersection of advanced ceramics and building energy performance — an unusual combination that few centres offer under one roof. Their location in Faenza, the historic heart of Italy's ceramics industry, gives them deep ties to materials manufacturing while their renovation project portfolio demonstrates real-world energy efficiency expertise. For consortium builders, they offer a rare partner who can contribute both materials science and applied building renovation knowledge.

Highlights from their portfolio

• NEXTOWER
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 300,758) and the project that anchors CERTIMAC's advanced materials credentials for concentrated solar power applications.
• CEM-WAVE
  Demonstrates CERTIMAC's niche in ceramic matrix composites with AI-assisted modelling — their only third-party role, suggesting they were sought out for specific CMC expertise.
• HAPPEN
  Established CERTIMAC's building renovation profile with the MedZEB protocol for Mediterranean residential deep retrofit, bridging their materials knowledge into construction.