About the Pilot
The Girona Provincial Council, via its Environmental Service, promotes energy transition, renewable energy and efficiency enhancement in the province. Their application is directed at the participation of five different energy communities they have helped boost. With that purpose, their aim in the programme is to further its understanding of the needs and preferences of citizens, learn how to set up a local ecosystem for supporting RECs, and gain further knowledge around legal and regulatory aspects, monitoring and impact evaluation of citizens' renovations and further complementary actions. Through their actions and the coordinated participation of five RECs, they could reach approximately 100 members and disseminate knowledge about CLR. In terms of funding, each household, or REC member, is estimated to need an average of approximately 20,000€ of investment.
Our support
CLR is providing targeted technical assistance to Girona to enable the successful implementation of a citizen-led renovation initiative. Support begins with helping the municipality understand the specific needs and preferences of residents through tailored surveys and community engagement activities. This ensures that renovation strategies are aligned with local expectations and energy efficiency goals.
To facilitate project execution, CLR is assisting in the creation of a local ecosystem that brings together financial institutions, municipal authorities, and contractors. This collaborative framework is essential for securing financing, coordinating logistics, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Legal and regulatory guidance is also part of the support, helping Girona navigate national and local requirements, obtain necessary permits, and meet energy efficiency standards.
Monitoring and evaluation are key components of the assistance. CLR is helping establish a framework to track renovation progress and measure impact, enabling data-driven decision-making and transparent reporting to stakeholders. In parallel, support is being provided to co-design the operational structure of the renovation service, including process flows and IT tools for project management, communication, and data handling.
CLR is also working with Girona to develop a sustainable business model for the renovation service. This includes identifying revenue streams, assessing costs and benefits, and exploring funding options to ensure long-term viability. Technical solutions for a range of building types are being co-designed and economically assessed, including energy audits and retrofitting plans.
To build public awareness and encourage participation, CLR is supporting the design and implementation of communication, marketing, and engagement campaigns. Additionally, IT platforms are being developed to facilitate the exchange of local practices and insights among stakeholders. Professional expertise is being engaged to ensure high-quality outcomes, and guidance is being provided on financing options and collective purchasing strategies to optimise resource use and make renovation more accessible.
