Stories from our campaign and supporters that inspire to build better lives.
The future of our homes is the future of our planet—and our well-being. Housing is at the heart of the transition towards a decarbonised built environment, and the solutions we champion today will not only shape how we live tomorrow but also improve lives today. Across Europe, buildings account for approximately 40% of total energy demand and contribute to 36% of CO2 emissions. With 85% of the EU’s buildings constructed before 2001—many of which are energy-inefficient—the urgency for deep renovation is undeniable. This inefficiency fuels carbon emissions that jeopardises both our present and our future, worsens energy poverty, and creates unhealthy living conditions for millions, particularly for vulnerable and low-income communities. The transition to a climate-friendly built environment is not just about reducing emissions; it is about ensuring everyone has access to decent, affordable, and energy-efficient housing.
Stories of change: building a just and sustainable future
Beyond the statistics and the scale of the challenge, transformation is already happening. We have sought out the stories of communities, policymakers, and innovators who are proving that the shift towards a better built environment is possible—and that it is already improving lives. This repository is a living archive of action, showcasing real-world solutions that tackle the housing crisis while accelerating the decarbonisation of our built environment. These are not just stories of energy efficiency; they are stories of justice, inclusion, and ambition.
The featured stories highlight innovative financing models that ensure deep renovations reach those who need it most, the power of multi-stakeholder partnerships, and the impact of tailored social and technical assistance in supporting citizens on their renovation journey. They also demonstrate the broader benefits of future-proof housing—how healthier homes contribute to thriving communities and how a well-renovated building can be a catalyst for societal well-being. Our built environment presents multiple challenges, and these examples also highlight the necessity of adopting new practices that align with broader societal and environmental demands. By doing so, we can ensure our communities thrive within planetary boundaries while providing long-lasting, decent living standards for all.
More than inspiration—a call for action
The Build Better Lives campaign is about more than celebrating what has been done—it is about advocating for what must be done. Through this initiative, we aim to demonstrate that the solutions exist and that scaling them up requires political will and bold policy action. These stories are proof that a just transition is within reach if we put people at the centre of our policies, make financing work for the most vulnerable, and ensure that every household—regardless of income—can live in a comfortable, affordable, and climate-friendly home.
This repository is a work in progress, evolving alongside the growing movement for fair and ambitious action. While some of the projects highlighted are cutting-edge innovations, others are about the power of community but what unites them all, is the tangible benefits they bring to people’s lives. Our ultimate vision is not just to curate a collection of success stories but to create a gallery of progress—one where every home stands as a testament to a future where sustainable, affordable housing is the norm, not the exception.
Tomorrow’s cities and rural areas should not be museums of missed opportunities—they should be living proof that we chose to build better lives.
Acknowledgments
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has inspired us with their stories, generously shared their knowledge, and contributed to building this repository. Their dedication and willingness to share their experiences have been instrumental in shaping this initiative, and we hope their efforts will inspire many more to take action.
Share your story
Do you have an inspiring story of decarbonisation and sustainable housing? We would love to hear from you! If you have a project or initiative that aligns with our vision, please reach out to us at erman.erogan@caneurope.org
The Sociale EnergieSprong project in Hoeselt, Belgium, exemplifies how industrial innovation, strong social commitment, and people-centred policies can transform social housing. By focusing on speed, affordability, and sustainability, this initiative establishes a bold benchmark for tackling the challenge of an aging housing stock while providing meaningful benefits to both residents and the environment.
Salzburg, Austria – The Wir inHAUSer project in Salzburg, Austria, showcases how innovative and people-centered approaches can transform housing into a foundation for better, more sustainable lives. Through collaboration, inclusivity, and ambitious planning, the project has become a beacon of what is possible in the fight against energy poverty, housing inequality, and environmental degradation.
In the face of intersecting crises—climate change, housing shortages, and economic instability—projects like Fiorita Passive House demonstrate how ambitious policies and innovative design can build better lives for residents and communities alike. Located in Cesena, Italy, Fiorita Passive House is a groundbreaking project: the first multi-apartment building in Italy certified to the Passive House Institute standards in Darmstadt, Germany.
Viladecans, SPAIN – The Vilawatt Project, located in Viladecans, Spain, offers a comprehensive approach to tackling climate change, energy poverty, and social inequality through the energy transition. As an Urban Innovative Action (UIA) project, Vilawatt exemplifies how collaborative governance, innovative financing, and citizen engagement can transform vulnerable communities into resilient, energy-efficient districts. This initiative highlights the power of ambitious policies and local action in addressing urgent socio-economic and environmental crises.
The Opengela project in the Basque Country, Spain, is a groundbreaking example of how urban renovations can address energy efficiency, social equity, and economic challenges simultaneously. Neighbourhood offices or Opengelas are spreading throughout most Basque municipalities, especially in neighbourhoods with an ageing housing stock.
POLAND – In the face of rising energy costs, climate breakdown, and outdated housing stock, Polish communities are proving that bold, people-powered solutions can deliver lasting change. From small towns to rural areas, residents, local innovators, and small businesses are leading a quiet revolution—turning once energy-hungry buildings into comfortable, self-sufficient homes.
Athens, GREECE – The Hellenic Passive House Institute Project led by The Hellenic Passive House Institute & the Municipality of Moschato-Tavros Across Europe, inefficient buildings
Bottrop, GERMANY – The InnovationCity Ruhr project in Bottrop, Germany, is a standout example of how district-level renovations can address climate challenges while improving residents’ quality of life. With a focus on energy efficiency, inclusivity, and innovation, this project highlights the transformative potential of ambitious policies. Three core aspects define its success: ramping up renovation rates, fostering inclusive governance, and leveraging diverse stakeholder collaboration to drive innovation.
The Progetto Energheia in the Piedmont Region, Italy, is a transformative model for sustainable urban renewal, combining advanced energy efficiency measures with innovative governance systems to create energy communities. This initiative demonstrates how ambitious collective action can reduce energy consumption, enhance affordability, and foster social inclusion, serving as a replicable model for tackling energy and housing challenges across Europe.
Rome, ITALY – The transformation of a former military base in Rome into a vibrant, sustainable social housing project exemplifies the power of innovative and inclusive urban regeneration. By repurposing an abandoned yet historically significant structure, this initiative prioritises affordability, sustainability, and community cohesion. Through a participatory co-design process, residents and stakeholders have been actively shaping the project’s future, which combines heritage preservation with forward-thinking housing solutions.
Burgas, BULGARIA – Habitat for Humanity International, Municipality of Burgas and EnEffect
Energy poverty is a crisis affecting millions across Europe, forcing families to choose between heating their homes and meeting other basic needs. The Community Tailored Actions for Energy Poverty Mitigation (ComAct) project in Burgas, Bulgaria, is proving that this does not have to be the case. Through an ambitious, community-driven approach, ComAct has made energy-efficient renovations more accessible, affordable, and impactful for vulnerable households.
Paris, FRANCE – Paris Habitat & Charles-Henri Tachon Agency
The Caserne de Reuilly project in Paris is a transformative urban regeneration initiative that demonstrates how historic sites can be repurposed to meet modern needs while promoting sustainability and affordability.
Bordeaux, FRANCE – Bordeaux metropolis
The Grand Parc Bordeaux project stands as a powerful example of how ambitious collective action can build better lives for residents while tackling climate, housing, and economic challenges. Located in Bordeaux, France, this innovative refurbishment has transformed 530 social housing units originally built in the 1960s, into modern, comfortable, and energy-efficient homes.
Brussels, BELGIUM – Foyer Schaerbeekois
The Colonel Bourg social housing project in Schaerbeek, Brussels, is a beacon of innovation in the pursuit of affordable, energy-efficient housing. Managed by Foyer Schaerbeekois, this initiative uses social housing as a model for decent, affordable and energy-efficient homes for all by implementing ambitious passive building standards while ensuring access to the most vulnerable.
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