RENOVERTY
Nominated by: Roberta D’Angiolella (Senior Comms Expert, IEECP)7
Summary of the project
RENOVERTY promotes energy-efficient renovations for energy-poor households in Central, Eastern, Southeastern, and Southern Europe, focusing on rural districts. It establishes methodological and practical frameworks to develop Renovation Roadmaps (REERs), ensuring renovations are financially viable and socially just.
The project supports local and regional actors in creating and implementing single- and multi-household renovation strategies across 17 rural areas in 7 EU regions. Pilots are underway in Sveta Nedelja & Žumberak (Croatia), Tartu (Estonia), Bükk-Mak & Somló-Marcalmente-Bakonyalja Leader (Hungary), Zasavje (Slovenia), Parma (Italy), Coimbra (Portugal), and Osona (Spain). These roadmaps address energy efficiency, comfort, and accessibility, considering the specific needs of each region.
Beyond pilot implementation, RENOVERTY aims to deliver a scalable model for geographical replicability, ensuring long-term integration of renovation strategies into rural and peri-urban development.
Innovation
Since its start, RENOVERTY has integrated data-driven strategies with community engagement to develop sustainable rural renovation models. The project has created 17 REERs, each tailored to the specific needs of vulnerable rural districts across Europe.
The innovation begins with a multi-step approach aimed at upgrading the framework on rural and peri-urban energy poverty. A comprehensive literature review and stakeholder needs assessment provided a robust, holistic understanding of rural energy poverty in the EU. This was coupled with 88 detailed energy audits, offering crucial real-life data on building conditions.
A key technical innovation is the Dynamic high-Resolution dE-mand-sidE Management (DREEM) model, which combines energy system demand-side modeling with qualitative and semi-quantitative assessments. This approach evaluates energy efficiency measures based on their impact on households’ energy profiles and technoeconomic feasibility, ensuring data-backed renovation strategies.
To ensure local ownership and relevance, RENOVERTY has actively engaged local stakeholders through workshops and co-creation sessions to develop the REERs. Additionally, the project introduced the Composite Energy Poverty and Transport Indicator (CEPTI), which identifies areas of high energy vulnerability, ensuring renovation benefits are equitably distributed.
Beyond technical tools, RENOVERTY empowers local actors by supporting 12 Local Action Groups (LAGs) with training programs and direct assistance. This strengthens regional capacity to integrate renovation strategies into broader local development plans, fostering innovative policy-making and long-term energy transition efforts.
Impact
RENOVERTY develops financially viable renovation roadmaps and empowers local actors to implement them effectively. The project is creating 17 REERs across 7 regions, informed by 12 stakeholder workshops, 30+ events, and 88 energy audits. Community engagement is strengthened through outreach activities and 14 household events, while 11 Local Action Groups (LAGs) receive training through 10 modules in 6 languages to integrate renovation strategies into local development plans.
RENOVERTY aims to achieve primary energy savings of over 1 GWh/year within three years, increasing to 20 GWh/year within five years. Final energy savings are projected at 1 GWh/year initially, rising to 5 GWh/year long-term. The project also targets a CO₂ reduction of over 200 tons per year, scaling to 4,200 tons annually.
The initiative plans to leverage over €1 million in sustainable energy investments, reaching €7 million within five years. With 100,000 people already reached and a goal to train over 1,500 individuals, RENOVERTY ensures long-term impact and replicability, supporting European decarbonisation and a just energy transition.
Scalability and replicability
RENOVERTY develops a scalable model for REERs, enabling replication across the EU. By minimising logistical, financial, and administrative barriers, the project ensures a more efficient home renovation process.
Working with 12 Local Action Groups (LAGs), RENOVERTY applies a bottom-up approach, equipping communities with proven methods, tools, and case studies to tackle rural energy poverty. The tested methodologies from pilots in Italy, Croatia, Estonia, Hungary, Slovenia, Spain, and Portugal provide practical solutions to overcome technical and financial challenges.
To expand its reach, RENOVERTY is launching a call for replication, inviting municipalities, energy agencies, academic institutions, NGOs, and industry experts to adapt its resources and strategies. This ensures long-term sustainability, amplifying its impact and driving rural energy efficiency across Europe.