On January 31, 2025, in Valmiera, Latvia, REVERTER project partners REA and Ekodoma, along with other participants, engaged in a lively discussion about energy poverty and the initiatives being implemented in Latvia. Everyone shared their experiences and insights, highlighting that they are all addressing similar challenges. Key topics included raising public awareness of energy efficiency, developing training programs, and exploring district-level renovation strategies, among others
Key topics discussed
- Renovation of multi-apartment buildings – progress, support programs, and best practices
- One-Stop-Shop (OSS) models – experiences and practical implementation
- Energy Efficiency Ambassadors – strategies to engage residents and build trust
- District-level building renovation approach
- EU-funded projects for tackling energy poverty & promoting renovation
Key takeaways and next steps
Shared solutions and best practices
The discussion highlighted both common challenges and successful solutions across different regions. For instance, energy efficiency ambassador training, implemented in Riga under the REVERTER project a year ago, is now planned for Valmiera, Latvia. Riga is also developing video-based training materials to increase accessibility, which is also happening in Valmiera.
One-Stop-Shop (OSS) models and regional needs in Latvia
Three different OSSs were represented at the meeting: Riga, the capital of Latvia; Saldus, a rather small town; and Vidzeme Planning Region, a governmental structure that represents several regional municipalities. Although all three OSSs offer the same core services, they operate differently and have different service packages. The OSS service portfolio in Riga, developed under the REVERTER project, includes offerings currently missing in Valmiera and the Vidzeme Planning Region, leading to discussions on adopting Riga’s best practices.
Due to the low population size (26,000 residents) and demand, the continuation of Saldus OSS beyond the current project phase remains uncertain.
It was concluded that there should be one OSS per 80,000 residents. This means that outside of Riga, these agencies should be concentrated within the five planning regions, servicing municipalities in their respective areas.
Energy poverty discussion and regional differences
Participants also discussed the extent of energy poverty, challenges in its official definition, and findings from the REVERTER project study.
A surprising insight emerged: energy poverty in Valmiera is nearly non-existent, contrasting sharply with the situation in Riga, where anyone living in a non-renovated building built before 2000 is at risk of energy poverty or already affected by it.
EU-Funded & Co-Funded projects involved in the discussion
- ReHABITA – Addressing energy poverty through Energy Renovation Offices Learn more
- RenoWave – Innovative renovation approaches in the Baltic region Learn more
- SUPERSHINE – Super-energy efficient social housing Learn more
- ENABLE DHC – Advancing sustainable district heating solutions Learn more
- Riga Renovates (ELENA support) – Large-scale building renovation support in Riga Learn more
- RenewALL – Financing neighborhood renovations through energy performance contracting Learn more
Participating organizations
- Valmiera Municipality Development Department
- SIA Valmieras Namsaimnieks (a municipal housing maintenance company)
- Valmiera Development Agency
- Vidzeme Planning Region
- Riga Energy Agency (representing REVERTER project)
- SIA Ekodoma (representing REVERTER project)
- Saldus Municipality OSS
This event provided an invaluable platform for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and practical next steps towards improving energy efficiency initiatives across Latvia.
