The property renovation market in France is estimated at €130 billion annually, according to Xerfi. A growing share of this is being driven by the urgent need to improve the energy efficiency and climate resilience of buildings. As sustainability goals evolve, so too must the tools and strategies we use to meet them.
That’s why I recently had the opportunity to speak with Pauline Koch, architect, civil engineer, and founder of Sitowie, a pioneering startup using scientific modelling to optimise renovation investments.
A Vision for Smarter Real Estate Management
Pauline, can you introduce yourself?
I trained as an architect and then in civil engineering at École des Ponts. Early in my career, I realised that the real estate sector tends to over-invest in new construction while neglecting the existing built environment. This imbalance has serious ecological, financial, and human consequences. That insight led me to launch Sitowie, to enhance how we manage and maintain real estate portfolios.
A Data-Driven SaaS Platform
What exactly does Sitowie do? Who are your clients?
Sitowie is a SaaS platform that supports decision-making for renovation programs. We apply a scientific model to predict the lifecycle of materials and structural components, allowing us to forecast how buildings age over time—even from minimal data, and without needing on-site inspections.
Our clients, mainly asset managers and public authorities, can simulate renovation strategies and prioritise investments for maximum value and impact.
Quantifiable Impact
How do customers use the platform, and what benefits do they see?
Clients report up to 6 basis points in asset value preservation, 10–30% savings on renovation plans, and up to 20% in productivity gains. Instead of using outdated investment strategies or flat budgeting, Sitowie users can tailor their plans item-by-item with detailed, data-driven insights.
Financing the Green Transition
What role do banks play in this space?
Renovation financing needs are in the hundreds of billions, while the total value of France’s building stock exceeds €15 trillion—six times the nation’s GDP. Banks are increasingly required to factor in the technical and environmental performance of buildings they finance. This positions them as key actors in the energy transition through targeted renovation loans and ESG-aligned investment criteria.
Sopra Steria’s Role in Supporting This Ecosystem
At Sopra Steria, we recognise the transformational potential of data-driven tools like Sitowie in making real estate more sustainable and financially efficient. Our expertise in digital consulting, financial services, and smart data platforms makes us a natural enabler of such innovation. Whether it’s by helping banks integrate ESG performance into their loan assessment models or supporting local governments with AI-driven asset management solutions, we’re committed to building a smarter, greener future.
As digital technologies continue to reshape real estate and finance, partnerships between tech leaders, startups, and financial institutions will be essential to scale solutions like Sitowie—and accelerate the renovation revolution.