Project REVERTER was presented during the conference “Joining forces in the fight against climate change”, which was held together with a number of Bulgarian energy agencies and centres and with the courtesy of the Municipality of Gabrovo on 3-4th July in Gabrovo. The event was part of the side program of the 61st session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
The focus was on key issues related to sustainable energy and the role of local authorities. The program was organized into thematic panels that addressed topics such as integrated energy renovation services, approaches to combating energy poverty, energy efficiency training and RES, and current innovative tools for energy efficiency in buildings.
Eng. Daniela Kostova presented the REVERTER project, its goals and the results achieved so far. The results of the social survey conducted within the framework of the project aroused great interest. More than 300 households from the municipality of Brezovo took part in the survey, and it aimed to get an idea of the actual situation regarding the technical, social and economic indicators in the municipality of Brezovo related to energy poverty, as well as to identify appropriate tools and policies for dealing with the problem. Based on the survey results, gaps in local policies on sustainable renovation solutions were analyzed and where to focus on encouraging and supporting citizens in the process of building renovation. In addition, recommendations for policies at the national and European levels will be formulated.
During the project presentation, the roadmaps developed for single-family, multi-family and social buildings in Brezovo and the renovation goals until 2050 were also presented.
Eng. Kostova also presented the already created and functioning “One-stop shop for renovation-Brezovo”, whose main goals are: raising awareness about the benefits of energy renovation; awareness and training of citizens about energy efficiency at home; providing information about renewal opportunities; providing information on available financial support schemes; performing a preliminary analysis for eligibility when applying for programs. In addition to a physical office located in the municipality building, an online platform has also been created through which citizens will be able to inform themselves in a timely manner, use available tools and information materials and ask questions.
The main conclusions that can be drawn so far from the activities of the REVERTER project are that priority should be given to single-family buildings in the renovation process, as they are the predominant part in small settlements. Small municipalities should also be included in air quality improvement programs. It is necessary to increase citizens’ awareness of existing programs and knowledge about the benefits of implementing energy efficiency measures in residential buildings. This can be achieved through numerous events, training and information campaigns for local authorities and citizens.
Within the framework of the REVERTER project, a series of events will be organized aimed at citizens, who will be given detailed and easily accessible information on various topics, such as the insulation of residential buildings, RES in households and heat pumps for heating and cooling.
Follow the Facebook page of One-stop-shop for renovation – Brezovo, as well as follow the website www.reverter-brezovo.bg to receive timely information about all upcoming events and initiatives under the project.