Enabling community action for energy sufficiency

Introduction

This project responds to growing levels of energy poverty across the EU, especially in the CEE region, by addressing the poor energy efficiency of buildings as a major driver of energy poverty and as a driver of climate change. 75% of the building stock in the EU is inefficient, with buildings responsible for 36% of GHG emissions.

Project Implementation

ComActivate will be implemented in three municipalities in three countries:

1. Burgas in Bulgaria
2. Józsefváros in Hungary
3. Kaišiadorys in Lithuania

These countries represent different regions of CEE with differing sets of constraints. Yet, each country has a similar history, geography, climate, and operational constraints to their neighboring cluster of countries, aiding regional replication.

Target Population

Multi-Family Apartment Buildings (MFABs) have been chosen as around 60% of people in CEE live in MFABs. The social, technical, legislative, and financial challenges to MFAB renovation are complex and undefined, especially when it comes to renewable energies.

Objectives

ComActivate will develop, demonstrate, and advocate solutions for MFABs that:

• Reduce energy poverty
• Enhance energy security
• Bring building emissions in line with climate targets (near complete decarbonisation by 2050)

Key Strategies

The project will achieve its objectives through the following strategies:

• Institutionalisation of Resource Centres (RCs): Establishing RCs at the local level as a recognised mechanism to reach energy-poor communities and facilitate agreement in Home Owner Associations (HOAs).

• Development of Neighbourhood Energy Sufficiency Roadmaps (NESRs): Addressing the complexities of renewable energies for MFABs and determining how energy needs can be secured in line with poverty alleviation and climate neutrality.

• Capacity Building: Building the capacity of HOA managers for the implementation of renovations and raising awareness in communities to dispel concerns about the benefits of renovations.

• Public-Private Dialogue: Engaging in policy and investment dialogue at the national and EU level to enable the sustainability of RCs and the implementation of NESRs.