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. By bringing together key stakeholders—including municipalities, homeowner associations (HOAs), financial institutions, and civil society organisations—the project has established a strong support-network that empowers communities to take charge of their energy future.
At the heart of ComAct’s success in Burgas is the Energy Office, which has acted as a lifeline for thousands of residents. More than 4,000 people have visited the One Stop Shop (“the Resource Centre”) to receive guidance on energy efficiency measures, available funding schemes, and best practices for reducing energy consumption. This accessible hub has helped prepare over 213 renovation project applications—the highest number for any city in Bulgaria—with 30 buildings already approved for funding. The Energy Office also played a crucial role in organising over 50 meetings with homeowner associations, multiple workshops, and public information days, equipping homeowners with the knowledge and confidence to take action.
Empowering communities and strengthening stakeholder engagement
One of ComAct’s most groundbreaking aspects is its ability to unite a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring that energy efficiency is not just a policy goal but a community-driven movement. Homeowner participation is often a major barrier to large-scale energy renovations, but ComAct’s holistic approach has changed that dynamic. By fostering collaboration between public institutions, private actors, and local communities, the project has created a model designed to remain sustainable long after it formally ends.
ComAct has laid vital foundations for change: it has supported the preparation of renovation plans for multi-family apartment buildings (MFABs), with construction set to begin in spring 2026. Through its structured approach to technical and financial support, the project has demonstrated that energy-efficient upgrades are not a luxury—they are essential, and can be made accessible to those who need them most.
Already, ComAct’s groundwork is benefiting residents. So far, 8,460 people living in MFABs are set to gain from the upcoming renovations. Once completed, the upgrades are expected to deliver annual energy savings of over 90 million kWh—the equivalent of removing more than 14,000 cars from the roads in terms of emissions. In addition, ComAct has helped mobilise €31 million in sustainable energy investments, paving the way for homes that are more resilient to rising energy costs.
Delivering lasting economic, social, and environmental benefits
Beyond reducing household energy costs, ComAct is set to transform the lives of energy-poor residents in Burgas. Many households are expected to lower their heating bills by up to 50%, enabling families to redirect their savings towards other essential needs. The health benefits will also be significant—better indoor air quality, more stable indoor temperatures, and reduced dampness are likely to result in fewer respiratory illnesses, especially among children and the elderly.
But the impact goes beyond individual households. By revitalising multi-family buildings, the project is expected to increase property values, stimulate the local economy, and create jobs in the construction sector. Both skilled and unskilled workers found employment opportunities through energy renovation projects, while local businesses benefited from increased demand for energy-efficient materials and services.
Environmental sustainability is also a key outcome of the initiative. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy sources, ComAct is projected to significantly lower carbon emissions in Burgas. Rooftop solar panels, planned as part of the project, will not only generate clean energy but also provide residents with long-term financial relief through reduced electricity costs. The Resource Centre in Burgas will continue to play a vital role in advocating for more sustainable urban policies, helping to ensure that the momentum behind ComAct is sustained well into the future.
A model for the future
The ComAct experience in Burgas is a powerful blueprint for tackling energy poverty across Europe. While Bulgaria has a 100% state renovation grant scheme in place, its effectiveness gets undermined by inconsistent public funding and administrative hurdles. ComAct has demonstrated that by integrating technical support and strong community engagement, in this case coming from the Energy Office, along with an ambitious and comprehensive state financing programme, large-scale energy renovations can be implemented effectively and equitably.
As cities across Europe seek innovative solutions to the intersecting crises of housing, climate, and energy affordability, ComAct shows what can be achieved when communities, governments, and businesses work together. The people of Burgas have proven that with the right tools and support, energy poverty can be tackled, homes can be made comfortable and sustainable, and entire neighbourhoods can be revitalised. The success of ComAct is not just about reducing bills—it is about restoring dignity, security, and hope to thousands of families.The fight for energy justice is far from over, but Burgas has shown us the way forward. Now, it is time to take this model, scale it up, and ensure that every household, no matter their income , has access to a warm, healthy, and affordable home. Together, we can truly Build Better Lives.