The contribution of renovation and repurposing to affordable energy-efficient homes

Europe’s homes and buildings sit at the intersection of social wellbeing, climate resilience, and energy security. Yet inefficiency and rising costs are undermining their role as safe, affordable spaces. This brief explores how the upcoming European Affordable Housing Plan and European Citizens Energy Package can unlock the potential of citizen-driven renovation to build resilient, renewable-powered living environments for all.

Expert contributions from: Anna Bajomi (FEANTSA); Lars Breckenfelder, (Solar Power Europe); Benedetta Buccolini (ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability); Etienne Charbit (réseau Cler); Marine Cornelis (Next Energy Consumer); Roxana Dela Fiamor (E3G); Esteban Gas (Solar Heat Europe); Florent Marcellesi (former Green MEP); Sophia Pena Pereira (BEUC); Simona Suardi (Greens/EFA), Tom Vasseur (Cool Heating Coalition).

Check out our web dossier A fair participation in the EU's energy transition.

Over the past 18 months, the Green European Foundation and the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung EU | Global Dialogue have worked with experts in energy and social policy to identify key areas where the EU could act to ensure that citizens and households are able to fully experience the benefits of the energy transition, in their homes, communities and pockets.

A Knowledge Community of experts from EU institutions, local government, industry, consumer organisations, trade unions and think tanks have examined several existing and new tools in EU legislation to facilitate citizens’ engagement in the energy transition. This work has focused on three actionable areas: affordable and energy efficient housing; benefit sharing of renewable energy projects; and fair allocation of network costs.