New LIFE project Arec Reno kicks off to drive large-scale deep renovation across Europe

We're proud to announce the launch of Arec Reno (Agro Reno Empower Collective) - a new LIFE-funded project that brings together 12 partners from France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, and Ireland.

© Angers/Podéliha – 2022 (Energiesprong FR) 

Together, we’re taking district-wide home retrofit to the next level. How? By facilitating collective buy-in-schemes and improving market conditions for biobased deep renovation, powered by tools and models to enhance supply and demand. Ultimately, pilot projects activated in four countries will test the deployment of our strategy in real life.

Building on the Energiesprong approach, and aligned with other LIFE projects such as Street HP Reno, Cosme Reno, and Reno Tides, the project will pilot large-scale renovation models that combine bio-based materials, inclusive workforce development, and innovative financing schemes.

Over the coming three years, four pilot sites in Italy, Ireland, France, and Germany will demonstrate new ways of scaling energy-efficient retrofits - aiming to complete at least 88 homes upgraded to net-zero energy standards.

Arec Reno focuses on three domains of change

• Demand-side activation: simplifying renovation through standardised retrofit packages, One Stop Shop catalogues, online platforms, and demonstration roadshows to inspire collective homeowner action.

• Supply-side cooperation: equipping SMEs with the tools and training to work more collaboratively at a neighborhood scale and attract a more inclusive and skilled workforce. SMEs are encouraged to work with local, biobased materials and adopt circular practices.

• Market conditions: scaling up district-wide renovation using a diverse and innovative financing toolbox filled with financial instruments, such as Community Land Trusts, citizen crowdfunding, circular business models and energy performance guarantees.

 To tie these domains together, the project will use gamification to engage new audiences and encourage active participation in the renovation process.

A collective step forward for climate-neutral living

By combining bio- and agro-based materials, inclusive workforce development, and smarter financing, Arec Reno aims to make deep renovation faster, fairer, and more affordable. The project will establish four collective buy-in schemes embedding these innovations in four European countries - laying the groundwork for large-scale climate-neutral housing across Europe.

Project duration: 2025-2028

Countries involved: France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, and Ireland

Funding: Co-funded by the EU LIFE Programme