Building intErventions in vulNerable Districts against Energy poveRty

Introduction

Buildings are responsible for 40% of Europe's total energy consumption, and EU policy has prioritized the identification of dwellings and citizens at a higher risk of energy poverty in order to develop effective strategies for building renovation.

Energy Efficiency Principle

In accordance with the energy efficiency first principle, building renovation must be prioritized when discussing the overall solution to energy poverty.

• The least efficient building stock should be targeted first.
• Split-incentive dilemmas and market failures should be addressed.

Furthermore, addressing energy poverty, like energy transition in general, should be socially just and inclusive.

Project Objective

The main objective of CEESEN-BENDER is to empower and support vulnerable homeowners and renters living in Soviet-era multi-apartment buildings in 5 CEE countries:

1. Croatia
2. Slovenia
3. Estonia
4. Poland
5. Romania

We will help them through the renovation process by identifying the main obstacles and creating trustworthy support services that include homeowners, their associations, and building managers.

Support System Development

We will create a support system for homeowners, municipalities, and other large owners of multi-apartment buildings (MABs) in our targeted regions to speed up the renovation process.

• The team will develop specific tools to help municipalities and large housing stock owners effectively identify energy poor households.
• Implement schemes to reduce energy poverty.

Pilot Areas and Roadmaps

For the 5 pilot areas, we will create at least 30 building-level roadmaps that specify the technical details for renovations, targeting at least 1,500 apartments, and form a network of at least 30 energy professionals trained in consulting the target groups.

Training and Advocacy

We will train at least 3,500 homeowners, landlords, and building managers on legal, financial, technical, and other aspects of energy renovations.

Additionally, we will advocate for changes in regulatory requirements and policies to lower the costs and time needed for the preparatory phase of projects.