CLR3 project begins - scaling up the Citizen-Led Renovation (CLR) initiative
The Citizen-Led Renovation (CLR) Initiative is embarking on its next phase: scaling up!
With insights gained from Phases I and II, which centered on supporting four pilot initiatives in Ireland, Portugal, Belgium, and Bulgaria, this new chapter focuses on creating enabling conditions to guide energy communities in undertaking sustainable building renovations in more regions and countries.
In Phases I and II, the CLR Initiative empowered individual energy communities to lead energy-saving renovation projects. Through targeted support, the initiative addressed financial, legal, technical, and informational barriers, helping these communities deliver future-proof residential buildings with improved insulation, modernized technical systems, and renewable energy installations.
As we transition into Phase III, the initiative shifts its focus from single pilot projects to fostering an ecosystem that supports multiple energy communities. By establishing enablers and a favorable environment, Phase III will facilitate the development of a pipeline of citizen-led renovation projects, driving a broader and more impactful transition toward sustainable energy solutions.
At the heart of this initiative are ‘enabling structures’ — energy agencies such as Codema —offering tailored support to empower local collectives. These structures will help create a robust pipeline of citizen-led projects.
Key objectives include:
- Delivering comprehensive services: technical guidance, financial advice, and project management.
- Developing strategies, business models, and resources for efficient renovations.
- Building capacities through workshops, training, and best practice sharing.
- Scaling successful projects across Europe, amplifying impact.
Led by a consortium including AESS, FEDARENE, Energy Cities, REGEA, akaryon, and REScoop.eu, the initiative currently comprises five enabling structures in Italy, Ireland, Spain, France, and Croatia.
What’s next
In 2025, the initiative will expand with a call to recruit five additional enabling structures before summer. Development of support services in partner regions will soon follow.
Together, we’re driving Europe’s energy transition—one citizen-led renovation at a time!
