The EU Peers consortium co-funded by LIFE Programme of the European Union, met in Rome for the third project partner meeting, 1st to 2nd October 2024, one year after the consortial kick-off meeting in Netzeband, Germany. The meeting was hosted by the project partner ENEA, the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development.
The first day of the meeting offered a retrospective look on the first project year, combined with an evaluation of the achieved steps. This was followed by a collaborative preview of upcoming activities in the second year. While the focus in year one was on setting up the Community of Practice structures, peer exchange, national and transnational capacity building, training module on financing, will be the centre in year two.
The project partners identified a challenge in the diversity of working conditions in the respective Community of Practice platforms noting that it requires different focal points that need to be reconciled at project level. Hence, it was collectively decided that improvements in the application process for One-Stop Shops (OSS), Integrated Home Renovation Service Providers (IHRS), financiers and supporters, are important.
Regarding the organising of webinars on financing solutions, project partner from France, Filao Labs, identified the need for transfer of skills to be organised, considering the diverse questions being asked by Community Members and the level of expertise in the French Community and Europe. It was unanimously agreed that EU Peers will start and test this format of a series of webinars with a focus on financing as it remains the most requested and pressing challenge in the Community of Practice.
In the first month of the project, the consortium had developed the initial strategy for each of the seven Community of Practice platforms. The purpose of this last session on day one was to reflect on these stated objectives and strategies, and decide on what to continue, do differently or stop.
The second day of the meeting started with administrative sessions led by the Project Coordinator, Climate Alliance (Germany), providing an overview on due and upcoming deliverables and milestones. The last session was on optimising the essential ‘member journey’ to attract new members to join the Community of Practice.
The success of breaking barriers to home renovation hinges on the active participation of service providers (OSS, IHRS providers) and stakeholders. By joining forces in this transformative project, EU Peers, you can address challenges like affordability, accessibility, and sustainability, paving the way for more inclusive and energy-efficient homes. Collaboration in this endeavour not only supports homeowners but also drives innovation and growth in the renovation sector, creating lasting benefits for communities and the environment alike.
