Tackling energy poverty through community action
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.
Caserne de Reuilly: Circular innovation and flexibility in urban regeneration
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.
Transforming Social Housing for Comfort, Efficiency, and Inclusivity
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.
Build Better Lives: Social Housing Leading the Way
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.
From policy to action: advancing building decarbonisation and social justice in Italy
Written by Francesca Canali, Policy and Project Coordinator at MIRA network 2025 is a crucial year for the future of building decarbonisation in Europe. By the end of the year, EU Member States are required to present the first draft of their National Building Renovation Plan. In Italy, a major renovation is urgently needed: the […]
Build Better Lives: Ensuring adequate, accessible and energy efficient housing for all
This article was orginally published on the MIRA Network on the 6th March, 2025. The meeting “ Build Better Lives: Ensuring adequate, accessible and energy efficient housing for all ” on 5 March (Spazio Europa – Rome) brought together experts from different sectors to open a discussion on the challenges and opportunities of the ecological transition and the redevelopment of the building stock , […]
Community land Trust-Based Renovation: Aligning sustainability with social protection and community empowerment
Written by Michael Neaves, Former advocacy and communications manager at European Community Land Trust Network Written by Dali Malnoury, Project assistant for the Upcycling Trust project, Community Land Trust Brussels As the housing crisis continues to intensify across Europe, the production of additional affordable housing is more important than ever. However, building new homes is […]
Citizen-led Renovations: The natural way to Build Better Lives
Written by Felix Kriedemann, Project Manager at REScoop.eu Life is difficult Life, be it in society or in nature is full of trials and tribulations; from simple needs such as birds foraging for food, to more complex ones such as trying to renovate your home, living beings face hurdles around every corner; One of such […]
OPEN CALL: Build Better Lives community calls on Commissioner Jørgensen to ensure decent, affordable and energy efficient homes for all
With the confirmation of Dan Jørgensen as the EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing, the campaign Build Better Lives that unites 92 civil society organisations comprised of housing, health, social and environmental NGOs, trade unions and youth movements, are making a open call, calling on Commissoner Jørgensen to take full advantage of his new portfolio […]
How European cities are using one-stop shops to tackle energy poverty
Written by Anna Iafisco, Policy Advisor on Housing and Just Transition at Eurocities Energy poverty remains a significant issue across Europe, affecting vulnerable populations such as low-income households, the elderly, and single-parent families. In 2022, 42 million people—9.3% of EU citizens—were unable to keep their homes adequately warm. Additionally, up to 19% of European households […]