Participatory Lab: Empowering Communities Through Inclusive Renovation and Regional Sustainability

At the 23rd European Week of Regions and Cities, the participatory lab “Empowering Communities Through Inclusive Renovation and Regional Sustainability” brought together policymakers, practitioners, and citizens to explore how building renovation can drive social inclusion, tackle energy poverty, and foster resilient communities.

Moderated by Jan Bormans (CEO at Th!nk E and CLR project coordinator), the session showcased three pioneering initiatives—CLR (Citizen-led Renovation), FORTESIE (Just a Change), and RENOVERTY—that put people at the heart of Europe’s Renovation Wave.

People-Powered Renovation: Three Initiatives in Focus

• CLR (Citizen-led Renovation): Presented by David Ferge (Th!nk Europe), CLR empowers citizens and communities to lead the energy transition through local renovation and renewable energy projects. The initiative supports a network of pilot, learner, and follower communities across Europe, building local capacity and promoting inclusive, citizen-driven solutions to energy poverty. Legal clarity—anchored in EU directives and national law—was highlighted as the foundation for replicating and scaling community-led renovation efforts.
• FORTESIE (Just a Change): Clara Tripodi (Just a Change) introduced FORTESIE’s mission to accelerate Europe’s Renovation Wave by designing, demonstrating, and replicating innovative renovation packages. These combine advanced construction technologies, digital tools, and smart financing to ensure that the energy transition is not only green and efficient, but also just—reaching those most affected by housing poverty, especially in rural areas. Real-life examples showed how volunteer-driven renovations restore dignity and comfort to vulnerable households.
• RENOVERTY: Mara Oprea (IEECP) presented RENOVERTY’s work to reduce energy poverty in rural and peri-urban regions. The project provides energy efficiency training, capacity building, and develops actionable renovation roadmaps, co-designed with local stakeholders. Seven pilot sites across Europe are testing these solutions, with the aim of making renovation accessible for all.

Interactive Group Work: Co-Developing Inclusive Strategies

Participants engaged in hands-on group discussions at three thematic tables:

1. Pathways for Energy Communities and Microgrids in Central and Eastern Europe: Exploring legal, technical, and community frameworks for scaling citizen energy initiatives.
2. Volunteer Power in Housing Renovation – More Than Bricks, Building Dignity: Sharing best practices for mobilising volunteers to address housing poverty.
3. Inclusive Renovation Pathways: Tackling Energy Poverty in Rural Regions: Co-designing strategies to ensure that no one is left behind in the energy transition.

Key Takeaways

• Citizen and Community Leadership: All three initiatives demonstrated that empowering citizens is essential for a just and effective Renovation Wave.
• Legal and Financial Innovation: Clear legal frameworks and innovative financing are critical to scaling up community-driven renovation.
• Collaboration and Replication: The participatory format enabled the sharing of practical solutions and the co-development of strategies that can be replicated across Europe.

As the session concluded, participants left with new ideas, connections, and a shared commitment: ensuring that everyone has the right to stay in the place they call home, and that the energy transition leaves no one behind.