REELIH one of the finalists of World Habitat Awards with special mention from the judges

We are proud to announce that Residential Energy in Low Income Households (REELIH) project, coordinated by Habitat for Humanity International with the support of USAID, was one of the eight finalists of the WHA 2017 from over 100 entries from across the world. REELIH was also one of the two projects that had additionally received a special mention from the judges (the second best in the global North!).

Financing the future of buildings in Central, Eastern and South-East Europe: a new study by BPIE

The Buildings Performance Institute Europe (BPIE) published the analysis of the funding streams directed to energy efficiency in buildings in Central, Eastern and South-East Europe (CESEE). The analysis revealed that less than 3% of the funds that could be used to support energy efficiency investments in the region is dedicated to upgrading buildings.

Why Armenia’s REELIH project is worth making a noise about

‘We are so much warmer’, says one. ‘The difference is incredible’, says another. ‘Before there was wind blowing through the front door and now there is not – it is very simple!’ On the surface, REELIH – led by non-profit housing organisation Habitat for Humanity International with the support of USAID – means that some relatively simple refurbishment jobs are undertaken in old Soviet-era high-rise blocks.

Recording from Webinar:Learning from Eastern Europe: An energy efficiency model to reduce energy poverty in residential buildings

On 13 February 2018, the LEDS-EEP organised the webinar "Learning from Eastern Europe: An energy efficiency model to reduce energy poverty in residential buildings," presented by Besim Nebiu and Zita Kakalejcikova, from Habitat for Humanity International. This webinar introduces the viewer to the processes and outcomes of the Residential Energy Efficiency for Low-Income Households (REELIH) project, run by Habitat for Humanity International and supported by USAID.

Launch of the EU Energy Poverty Observatory (EPOV)

The creation of an EU Energy Poverty Observatory is part of the Commission's efforts to address energy poverty across EU countries. The Observatory aims to provide a user-friendly and open-access resource that will promote public engagement on the issue of energy poverty, disseminate information and good practice, facilitate knowledge sharing among stakeholders, as well as support informed decision making at local, national and EU level.

Upcoming webinar: Learning from Eastern Europe: An energy efficiency model to reduce energy poverty in residential buildings

Residential heating energy accounts for more than 30 percent of energy use in most countries of Europe and Central Asia, and for more than 40 percent in the Balkans. One way to bring down heating costs is to invest in energy-smart building renovations. One significant obstacle in the way of such renovations is that building owners have difficulty in reaching investment decisions together—a problem often made more difficult by legal complexities.

Save the date: C4E Forum 2018

C4E forum is a half-week interactive programme combining practical sessions, creative workshops and evening plenaries with high-level speakers and informal networking opportunities. Professionals and those interested in energy efficiency in buildings from government, industry, NGOs, think-tanks, financial institutions, etc. from across the CEE region all in one place.