SocialNRG

SOCIALNRG is a transformative EU-funded initiative coordinated by Housing Europe, aiming to combat energy poverty by establishing sustainable energy communities for 460 families across Belgium, Italy, and Slovenia. Bringing together social and cooperative housing providers, alongside key partners, the project addresses the urgent need to make renewable energy accessible to low-income households amid surging energy costs, with 1 in 10 Europeans struggling to pay energy bills (Eurostat, 2024). In Belgium, the Mechelen-based social housing provider Woonland is retrofitting the Kriekenijvelden neighbourhood, replacing outdated housing with fossil-free buildings. A district heating network, potentially connecting 71 social units and 78 private homes, is under feasibility study. Woonland’s efforts are supported by KLIMAAN, a local organisation specialising in renewable energy. Italy’s Cinisello Balsamo, a densely populated and economically vulnerable area near Milan, is being revitalised by Finabita, a prominent housing cooperative. Solar panel installations will lower residents’ energy bills while promoting active community participation in energy governance. ENOSTRA, another key partner, is lending expertise to ensure project success. In Slovenia, the town of Ravne na Koroškem is seeing medium-sized apartment buildings undergo deep renovations, including prefabricated facades, heat pumps, and self-shading windows. The social housing provider Stanovanjsko podjetje (STAN), backed by FOCUS, a climate-focused association, aims to ensure these sustainable energy solutions reach low-income households. In Brussels, Housing Europe is working closely with REScoop.eu which has solid experience in overcoming energy cooperative hurdles in different contexts. The SOCIALNRG project has received funding from the European Union's LIFE programme under grant agreement No 101167579. The project has started in October 2024 and will run until September 2027.