REVERTER project launches One-Stop Shops to combat energy poverty in Europe

The REVERTER project has officially commenced its field activities, establishing four physical One-Stop Shops (OSSs) across Europe to address energy poverty among vulnerable households. Located in Brezovo (Bulgaria), the Athens Urban Area (Greece), Riga (Latvia), and Coimbra (Portugal), these OSSs were launched in April 2024 with the goal of facilitating energy-efficient home renovations and enhancing living conditions for those in need.

These physical OSSs operate under a “Facilitation” business model, focusing on raising awareness about the benefits of energy renovation and providing tailored information on optimal renovation works. This approach takes into account the specific housing and household characteristics of the four diverse regions, guided by nine distinct REVERTER roadmaps. These roadmaps prioritize the renovation of the worst-performing homes (the “worst first” principle) and address challenges such as split-incentive dilemmas and various market, information, and behavioral failures.

The services offered by the REVERTER OSSs will continue until October 2025, encompassing a wide range of community engagement activities. These include:

• 1,500 home visits: Conducted by the project’s 75 Ambassadors, who are primarily building managers, social workers, community members, and university students, these visits aim to spread knowledge on deep renovation and assess individual household needs.
• Social engagement events: Organized to foster community involvement and support for energy renovation initiatives.
• Awareness campaigns: Designed to educate local communities on the importance and benefits of energy efficiency improvements.

The REVERTER project has successfully attracted over 75 Ambassadors who play a crucial role in its implementation. These Ambassadors, drawn from diverse backgrounds such as municipal social services, community organizations, and academic institutions, are the frontline advocates for energy renovation within their communities. Their efforts are vital in ensuring that the message of energy efficiency reaches every corner of the participating regions.

Digital OSSs to support project REVERTER activities

To establish a solid foundation for these activities, the project has also set up four digital One-Stop Shops in Bulgaria, Greece, Latvia, and Portugal. These platforms provide all residents of these regions with information on renovation, thus extending the project’s reach beyond the primary target audience of vulnerable households in specific areas. This dual approach ensures that information on renovation, energy efficiency, and other related topics is accessible to all inhabitants interested in improving their living conditions.