LIFE Ecoxia’s timber buildings cut energy use and secure €3 million in future sales

A high-performing daycare centre built near Paris using the timber-based construction system developed under the LIFE SBE4LCHCB project – and now commercialised by Ecoxia - has achieved an 80% reduction in energy consumption, despite rising energy prices. This success story contributes to the French SME’s projected €3 million in sales for 2025 and 2026, representing a significant step towards broader market adoption.

Daycare centre cuts energy use by 80%

The daycare centre, built near Paris four years ago, is a standout project in Ecoxia’s portfolio. Using the project’s prefabricated timber system, the building was able to meet Passive House standards (a rigorous set of building criteria that prioritise energy efficiency and thermal comfort by minimising heating and cooling needs) and delivered impressive real-world results.

“In 2021, we delivered a new daycare centre near Paris. The city told us they cut their energy use to one-fifth of what it was in their old building. Even though energy prices rose by more than five times, they still saved a lot of money because the new building is so energy efficient,” explains Olivier Riscala, Managing Director of Ecoxia.

In addition, the client praised the building’s thermal comfort, natural light and acoustic quality, all essential features for a space used by children and educators.

From private homes to public sector growth

Before joining the LIFE Programme, Ecoxia was focused on family homes of around 100 square meters. Since then, the company has expanded into small public buildings of around 1,000 square meters, including schools and community facilities.

€3 million in sales signed for 2025 – 2026

The focus shift is already reflected in Ecoxia’s business pipeline. While annual turnover in recent years was modest (€300–500k), the company has now signed €3 million in sales for 2025 and 2026.

“The next step is to stabilise our activities in France and then to expand into the nearby/neighbouring European market,” says Riscala. “The market is still developing, but we’re gaining real traction.”

How LIFE C2M helped pave the way

According to Riscala, support from the LIFE Programme, and particularly C2M, played a decisive role. “The funding came at a critical time, just before COVID hit,” he recalls. “But the coaching and strategic advice were equally important. The C2M experts helped us to reach the right market and to focus on the public sector, where we see long-term growth.

A message to other innovators

Would LIFE’s SBE4LCHCB representative recommend the C2M support to other projects? “Absolutely,” says Olivier Riscala. “LIFE Programme gave us funding and credibility. LIFE close-to-market (C2M) initiative gave us perspective and support. Every innovator in Europe should try to join the LIFE Programme and, if you are a LIFE beneficiary, cooperating with the C2M experts is a smart move. 

Learn more about this initiative, which focuses on greenhouse gas reduction also in non-European Union Emissions Trading System sectors, Energy efficiency, Eco-products design and Life Cycle Assessment-Management by exploring our project fiche.

This project supports key EU climate and energy policy areas, including the Policy Framework for Climate and Energy 2020–2030 (COM(2014)15), the EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change (COM(2013)216), and the Roadmap for Moving to a Competitive Low Carbon Economy in 2050 (COM(2011)112).

How LIFE helps close-to-market projects

LIFE SBE4LCHCB is one of the projects supported on market aspects under the LIFE’s close-to-market (C2M) activities.

LIFE C2M supports LIFE beneficiaries in bringing their innovative green solutions into the market. The projects gain access to a dedicated support team with extensive experience, offering insights on business coaching, advisory on business strategy development, pitching presentation guidance and expert connections, among other activities.

Looking for support to develop your cleantech solution and bring it to the market? Check out the LIFE Close-to-market page.