The European project LIFE RENOVERTY has completed its Rural Rehabilitation Roadmaps, a key tool to facilitate the energy renovation of homes in rural areas across seven European Union countries. These practical guides aim to promote rehabilitation in rural environments and are available in Catalan, both in a complete version aimed at all stakeholders involved and a more concise, user-friendly version specifically intended for citizens. They offer technical, financial, and legislative solutions tailored to community needs, supporting the fight against energy poverty and the climate goals established by the European Union. Additionally, this March, after presenting the conclusions from work conducted in Osona and Lluçanès, RENOVERTY is launching a call for new municipalities to join the co-creation process and replicate the Roadmaps for rehabilitation in rural areas.
Energy efficiency has become a cornerstone in ecological transition policies. To achieve this goal, the project has closely collaborated with local action groups in seven European regions: Sveta Nedelja and Žumberak (Croatia), Tartu (Estonia), Bükk-Mak and Somló-Marcalmente-Bakonyalja Leader (Hungary), Zasavje (Slovenia), Parma (Italy), Coimbra (Portugal), and Osona (Spain). This collaboration has enabled recommendations to be tailored to each region’s particularities, addressing specific challenges often overlooked in general energy efficiency policies.
A structural issue in rural areas
35% of European buildings are over 50 years old, and 75% remain energy inefficient, responsible for 40% of EU energy consumption and 36% of CO₂ emissions. Rural communities are particularly affected, as their homes are often old, isolated, and have obsolete infrastructure. Unlike urban areas, many rural households still depend on fossil fuels such as coal or diesel, with limited access to renewable energies.
The RENOVERTY Roadmaps address this issue practically, simplifying the renovation process and tackling obstacles like administrative complexity, limited financing, and a shortage of specialized professionals. The objective is to enable rural homeowners to plan renovations suited to their needs and budgets.
A tool for ecological transition
“WITH THESE ROADMAPS, WE ARE PROVIDING RURAL HOMEOWNERS THE TOOLS THEY NEED TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN EUROPE’S ECOLOGICAL TRANSITION, MAKING SUSTAINABLE RENOVATION FEASIBLE FOR ALL COMMUNITIES.” – MARA OPREA, RENOVERTY PROJECT COORDINATOR
Sergio López, project manager at LAG Associació pel Desenvolupament Rural de la Catalunya Central, highlights the significance of this initiative: “We’re not talking about an expense but an investment in renovation. Every euro dedicated to energy renovation and combating energy poverty will have future returns. This effort will strengthen economic resilience and contribute to the sustainability of our territories. While immediate benefits might not be visible, the long-term impact, especially in rural areas, will be significant.”
The Roadmaps not only provide frameworks for energy renovation but also emphasize collaboration with municipalities, investors, and local entities to ensure effective implementation. Moreover, they align with the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, incorporating decarbonization targets and mandatory goals related to these processes.
Towards a more sustainable Europe
With this initiative, RENOVERTY aims to ensure rural communities are not left behind in transitioning toward a more efficient and environmentally friendly energy model. These Roadmaps facilitate access to information and essential tools, allowing homeowners to undertake renovations suited to their needs and contribute to achieving EU climate neutrality by 2050.
Finally, the project is now opening a call aimed at municipalities interested in participating in the co-creation process for energy renovation Roadmaps for rural buildings. Find all the details related to this call here.
