Deadline: 12-Jan-22
The European Commission (EC) has announced a call for proposals for Addressing Building related Interventions for Vulnerable Districts to alleviate energy poverty by addressing the poor energy efficiency of dwellings, as a key risk factor causing energy poverty (the other two being low incomes and high energy expenditure).
This topic aims to address the many negative impacts low quality building stock has on residents, including poorer health and lower levels of social inclusion. Transforming inefficient housing stock addresses a root cause of energy poverty, however, the topic also has as an objective to tackle the related high upfront costs, lack of information and trust, uncertainty about benefits of the measures, split incentives, and discomfort caused by renovation works, including the potential need to relocate, as barriers to household uptake.
The approaches should be one or a combination of the following, and could also include renewable energy solutions, where appropriate:
- Roll out holistic, industrialised deep renovation solutions, including also approaches based on pre-fabricated modules, where appropriate
- Develop and implement roadmaps of energy efficiency measures that can be conducted step by step, starting with those with the shortest payback period to act as a further incentive (e.g. starting by replacing the heating/cooling systems, or by insulating the envelope, etc.). Roadmaps can be prepared by e.g. local authorities, or social/societal actors and should involve regular communication and engagement with all relevant stakeholders. Low-cost measures that can be quickly applied can also form a small, complementary part of such roadmaps (e.g. draught proofing, introducing shading elements, radiator reflective foils). These roadmaps should prevent lock-in effects and can be e.g. based on the renovation recommendations included in Energy Performance Certificates. At a minimum, the actions are expected to put in place the framework for implementation before the end of the proposed action, including securing sufficient financing and commitment of all relevant actors
- Develop and implement roadmaps of energy efficiency measures that can be conducted step by step for social housing organisations to address the specific needs of their own building stock and residents. These should involve regular communication and engagement with all relevant stakeholders. Low-cost measures that can be quickly applied can also form a small, complementary part of such roadmaps (e.g. draught proofing, introducing shading elements, radiator reflective foils). At a minimum, the actions are expected to put in place the framework for implementation before the end of the proposed action, including securing sufficient financing and commitment of all relevant actors.
Funding Information
- Grants available up to EUR 5 500 000.
Expected Impact
Impacts under this topic are expected to be demonstrated for energy poor households specifically:
- Number of buildings renovated
- Demonstration of the effectiveness and replicability of the proposed solutions among energy poor households
- Number of roadmaps created
- Number of energy poor consumers impacted
- Multiple benefits, such as improved mental and physical health, comfort and indoor environment, better indoor air quality, improved social inclusion, reduced public health expenditure
- Primary energy savings/renewable energy generation triggered by the project
- Investments in sustainable energy triggered by the project
- Indicators for measuring energy poverty
Eligibility Criteria
In order to be eligible, the applicants (beneficiaries and affiliated entities) must:
- be legal entities (public or private bodies)
- be established in one of the eligible countries, i.e.:
- EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs)
- non-EU countries: EEA countries and countries associated to the LIFE Programme (participating countries) or countries which are in ongoing negotiations for an association agreement and where the agreement enters into force before grant signature
- the coordinator must be established in an eligible country.
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