What is the Citizen-led renovation initiative?
The initiative for Citizen-led renovation embodies a revolutionary strategy for energy efficiency and community involvement in the European Union. It places citizens at the forefront of the energy transition, incorporating building renovations and renewable energy solutions into a holistic programme. This initiative harnesses the combined strength and resources of local communities, with a main emphasis on empowering citizen groups, facilitating the creation of community-led energy projects, and offering technical support to actualise realise these aspirations.
What outcomes does the Citizen-led renovation initiative aim to achieve?
Citizen-led renovation aims to boost the demand for residential energy renovations by mobilising citizen participation. In Phase II, the overarching objective is to extract practical insights by carefully choosing pilot projects, creating a conducive learning environment for Learners and Followers, and actively involving a diverse network of energy communities. This strategy establishes the groundwork for a sustainable renovation ethos driven by communities throughout the EU, envisioning a collective and energy-efficient future.
Can we also apply if we are involved in other EU projects?
Selected applicants cannot combine the support service with other EU funded technical assistance or research & innovation programmes that provide support for the same type of activity as the citizen led renovation service.
Selected applicants will be asked to declare that they are not currently receiving financial support for the development of their services on citizen led renovation during the verification phase.
Are there any examples of what citizen-led renovation initiative, or similar programmes, whose examples you could share with us, along with an overview of their experiences and outcomes?
Below, you can find information about select ongoing initiatives, including a direct link to each pilot's profile on our website. There, you can read about their experiences and the expected outcomes of their ongoing work.
Will there be opportunities for networking and collaboration with other energy communities?
Yes, one of the key components of the initiative is to develop networking and collaboration among energy communities. This is facilitated through the Futurium platform, organised workshops, peer-to-peer exchange sessions, and community events designed to share best practices, challenges, and successes, creating a vibrant ecosystem of energy communities across the EU.
In which language should the application be submitted?
The application form and all the annexes need to be submitted in English. The working language is English and the Project Manager should be fluent in English to be able to participate.
Are enablers required to support 3(+1) CLR projects or 3(+1) energy communities working on CLR?
The goal of this phase is to develop a pipeline of projects that empower communities to engage in renovation and to test different business models and approaches. Priority will be given to supporting more communities in working on CLR rather than enabling a single community to carry out multiple CLR projects.
Can energy communities that are already working on CLR projects use the funding to expand their scope and carry out more renovations?
Yes, provided that they support new communities and projects rather than those for which they have previously received funding.
Are organisations involved in previous EU-funded CLR initiatives eligible as enablers?
Yes, provided that they support new communities and projects rather than those for which they have previously received funding.
Can any entity involved in an OSS (One-Stop Shop) apply as an enabler?
Yes
Can supporting experts be from a university?
Yes
Are public housing companies eligible as enablers ?
Yes
Do the supporting experts need to be hired by the applicant at the application stage?
What proof must be submitted at the end of the project to demonstrate that the CLR project has started?
This should be evidenced by the achievement of the following milestones (for each supported citizen led renovation project):
- Renovation’s design & documentation ready for companies’ consultation.
- Quotation received from construction companies.
- Works contract(s) signed.
All supported collectives should also develop plans to upscale their project(s) at street/neighbourhood/district level
Are there specific energy efficiency targets for renovations?
No specific percentage reduction in energy consumption is required. However, renovations must include work on the building envelope rather than solely focusing on heating systems or energy production.
Does the 2.5 FTE requirement for the enabling team need to be at the enabler level, or can it include work done by people in the communities?
The enabler must provide at least 2.5 FTEs for the duration of the support services, but the remaining budget can be used to hire individuals within the communities to support the implementation of services.
How can the budget be spent?
Enablers may allocate funding to ensure that local communities are equipped with the necessary resources to launch and follow the renovation project. Funds should not be used for direct renovation or investment costs. However, funding for staff and operational support may be considered eligible.
What is considered a medium-sized local authority?
The definition of a medium-sized municipality may vary by country. However, small municipalities demonstrating the ability to extend their impact beyond a single municipality will be considered favorably, for instance groupings of municipalities. Further clarification may be needed depending on geographic context.