May Lunch Talk #18 Recap: Practical Tools for Energy-Efficient Renovations for Vulnerable Households

"Even in a place that offers financing, you still have to raise awareness about the benefits of renovation."

The May Lunch Talk explored how practical tools and funding mechanisms can make energy-efficient renovations more accessible to vulnerable households across Europe. 80 participants joined the session, which featured contributions from Mara Oprea, Energy and Climate Expert at the Institute for European Energy and Climate Policy (IEECP), and Nuno Cunha Lopes, Senior Advisor to the Vice Mayor of Cascais, Portugal.

The session opened with an overview of the 2025 LIFE Clean Energy Transition (CET) call by Nina Klemola, Project Advisor at CINEA. She highlighted a dedicated topic on energy poverty alleviation and invited participants to explore two funding streams: Scope A (Policy and coordination support to public authorities and stakeholders) and Scope B (Support for residential multi-apartment building renovation). Her contribution reinforced the EU’s ongoing support for local and national efforts to address energy poverty, under DG Energy’s flagship LIFE CET programme.

Mara Oprea presented the LIFE-funded RENOVERTY project, which focuses on alleviating energy poverty in rural areas—where homes are often older, less efficient, and harder to renovate. RENOVERTY supports the co-creation of Rural Energy Efficiency Roadmaps (REERs), tailored technical and non-technical guides developed with local stakeholders in seven pilot countries.

"The causes for energy poverty have become clearer at the European level," Oprea noted, "but there is an absence of practical and theoretical understanding of how to address the issue, particularly in rural areas."

To address these challenges, RENOVERTY combines household-level energy audits with stakeholder-informed recommendations that tackle financial, legal, regulatory, and social barriers to renovation. Oprea highlighted four pilot measures:

• In Croatia, informative events are preparing residents for an anticipated renovation scheme expected to offer up to 100% co-financing.
• In Slovenia, partners are working to integrate REER-based proposals into the national Social Climate Plan.
• In Italy, a foundation is developing a statute that would direct part of Renewable Energy Community revenues toward renovations for energy-poor households.
• In Spain, a regional energy renovation office or one-stop-shop is being launched to provide step-by-step renovation guidance.

REERs are also designed to support EU policy goals. As Oprea explained, “What we want to do with the REERs is to help local authorities understand the needs of rural citizens and tailor technical, financial, legal, and community solutions for this vulnerable group, as these tend to live in the worst performing buildings.” 

Nuno Cunha Lopes followed with a presentation on Cascais’ recently launched Just Energy Transition Fund. Announced in December 2024, the €3 million municipal fund supports energy-poor households—including owners, co-owners, and renters—through progressive reimbursement based on income brackets. Beneficiaries in the lowest brackets receive 100% funding; those in higher brackets receive partial support, capped at €10,000 per household.

The fund covers a broad range of improvements: thermal insulation, installation of efficient windows and solar PV systems, appliance replacements, and renovation of air and water heating and/or cooling systems. To reduce barriers, the city partnered with six nonprofit organizations to support applicants, overcome digital and administrative challenges, and—under a municipal protocol—pay installers directly. Two one-stop-shops were also established for in-person guidance.

“In our council, everyone knows about this fund,” Lopes said. “Word-of-mouth and local social networks have been crucial.” He emphasized that the support offered goes far beyond information-sharing, with nonprofit partners helping residents navigate complex applications and overcome digital barriers.

Looking ahead, Lopes noted that Cascais now has “a proper ecosystem” to address energy poverty in a cross-cutting, coordinated way and expressed the city’s intention to continue scaling and improving the initiative.

During the open discussion, participants raised challenges around inclusion, implementation, and funding. On split incentives, Lopes confirmed that tenants are eligible for support but noted the need to monitor rent increases following renovations. On financial adequacy, Oprea stated, “We need a lot of money to renovate the worst performing buildings,” acknowledging that the Social Climate Fund alone is insufficient. RENOVERTY, she explained, is exploring complementary mechanisms, including the potential use of LEADER funding.

Administrative complexity also emerged as a barrier. “People tend not to read the regulations,” Lopes remarked. “Some households required five to seven appointments just to complete the process.” He underlined the importance of tailored assistance delivered through trusted local actors.

Both speakers agreed that financing must be accompanied by practical support and strong engagement. As Oprea concluded, “Even in a place that offers financing, you still have to raise awareness about the benefits of renovation.”

The session underscored that for the renovation wave to truly reach Europe’s most vulnerable households, financial support must be paired with tailored outreach, local coordination, and accessible, community-based assistance.