On 1 October 2024, the event Let’s Activate Condominium Renovations in the Basque Country took place in San Sebastián as part of the RenPower project’s kick-off meeting. A key feature of the event was a debate session titled “Who Can Lead Energy Renovation in Multi-Apartment Buildings? How Can We Deal with Challenges at an Individual, Community, and Neighbourhood Level?”.
Led by UIPI, the session focused on promoting energy-efficient renovations in the region, particularly by engaging private property owners in multifamily building projects. The discussion explored both the challenges and opportunities involved.
Several important issues were raised during the debate, particularly the financial barriers that make energy renovations inaccessible to vulnerable households without substantial subsidies. It was noted that market-driven solutions often benefit middle- and upper-class property owners, leaving lower-income families behind unless government assistance is provided.
The role of One-Stop-Shops (OSS) was highlighted as a key factor in bridging the gap between broader societal goals and the practical realities faced by property owners, offering tailored services to guide them through the renovation process.
Participants also emphasised the need for effective communication strategies targeted at different groups. For example, while middle-class families might be motivated by the environmental benefits of reducing CO2 emissions, others are more likely to respond to messages highlighting health improvements and better living conditions for their families. The debate stressed the importance of transparency regarding the potential disruptions caused by renovation work, and the value of involving condominium managers to lead the process, as they are often trusted by co-owners.
CrAFt’s contribution to the debate reinforced the project’s commitment to fostering collaboration and developing innovative solutions for community-level energy renovations. By addressing barriers such as financial accessibility and building trust in the renovation process, the insights gained from this session can help refine CrAFt’s tools, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of property owners and communities.
Written by Ana Verónica Martínez, International Union of Property Owners (UIPI)