Webinar on “Empowering Communities through Citizen-Led Renovation Projects,” organized as part of the EU-funded LIFE Programme project RENOVERTY

This webinar focused on the role of energy communities in achieving EU decarbonization goals and empowering households to undertake energy-efficient building renovations. Recognizing that buildings contribute over a third of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions and energy demand, the session explored innovative initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and energy consumption through community-driven approaches.

The agenda included:

• Keynote Address: Julien Tami, Policy Officer at DG Energy, highlighted the significance of energy communities in advancing the EU’s Fit-for-55 goals and increasing consumer autonomy.

• Panel Presentations:

1.Stephanie Dickenson, Triple SEC, shared lessons and plans from existing energy communities.

2.Mihail Georgiev, Izgrei, presented outcomes from the Izgrei energy community pilot project.

3.Raquel Rodriguez Martinez, ECOSERVEIS, discussed renovation actions within energy communities under the RENOVERTY project.

• Panel Discussion and Q&A: Participants deliberated on the benefits, challenges, and opportunities for energy communities in the EU.

The webinar underscored the transformative potential of citizen-led renovation projects in aligning with the EU’s carbon neutrality targets for 2050.

Picture 1. Prof. Vilmoš Tot at the workshop opening

Picture 2. Prof. Vilmoš Tot during the session on pilot projects

Picture 3. Asst. Prof. Igor Vukelić presenting key information about the project

Picture 4. Asst. Prof. Igor Vukelić during the session on the role of energy communities