The webinar “Neighbourhood-Level Renovation: Scaling Impact Through Local Alliances”, which took place on 17 December 2025, explored how strong local collaboration can accelerate sustainable renovation and the development of Positive Energy Neighbourhoods (PENs). The discussion highlighted the importance of focusing not only on technologies, but also on how residents experience them in their homes.
The webinar was moderated by Natalia Boemi (IEECP) and featured contributions from Evi Lambie (VITO) representing oPEN Lab, Petra Pomper (IEECP) presenting insights from the RELIFE project, and Stavros Spyridakos (IEECP) sharing perspectives from Citizen-Led Renovation.
From the oPEN Lab perspective, the project is building on lessons learned by developing practical guidance for municipalities and housing companies to support renovation planning and the creation of PENs. A shared ambition is to establish local energy communities that are open to the wider neighbourhood, involving citizens, social housing companies and cities alike.
Accessible engagement was identified as a key success factor, including local contact points, clear phone contacts and informal conversations that give residents ownership and strengthen community ties. As our speaker Evi Lambie (VITO) explained:
“It’s not about high-end technologies, but about being accessible. Real contact points and informal conversations help residents ask questions, share experiences and feel ownership in building a better neighbourhood together.”
The webinar confirmed that people-centred approaches and local alliances are essential for scaling neighbourhood-level renovation impact across Europe.
