REDESIGN – Harmonised renovation methodology for public buildings in CEE region

Many buildings in Central and Eastern Europe waste large amounts of energy due to poor insulation, outdated heating systems, and inefficient construction. This is a major issue for climate action, as buildings are responsible for a significant share of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In Bulgaria, Croatia, and Romania, renovation rates remain too low to meet the European Union’s climate and energy targets. The European Commission calls for doubling the annual renovation rate, and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive sets minimum energy performance standards to phase out the worst-performing buildings. Public buildings should lead the way in energy efficiency improvements, but in many cases, they remain among the least renovated structures. The REDESIGN project addresses this challenge by supporting national and local governments in introducing and implementing energy performance standards, ensuring that public buildings serve as role models for sustainable renovation.

The project strengthens institutional capacity in Bulgaria, Croatia, and Romania to improve the worst-performing public buildings. It supports national governments in introducing minimum energy performance standards and helps local authorities comply with these regulations. The project provides practical tools such as renovation passports and first-level-support manuals to facilitate renovation planning and execution. Training sessions, webinars, and knowledge-sharing events equip public sector employees, energy auditors, and renovation professionals with the expertise needed to implement high-quality renovations. Additionally, the project raises awareness of the benefits of energy-efficient buildings for climate protection, energy savings, and indoor comfort. By working with decision-makers, public administrators, industry experts, and building users, the project accelerates the transition to a sustainable and resilient building sector.