Local know-how can help cut energy waste by speeding home renovations across Europe

A new peer-reviewed study has found that bringing citizens and professionals together in local knowledge networks can help people overcome barriers to home renovation and share practical expertise, and thus supporting more energy-efficient home renovations.

Published in Buildings and Cities and undertaken as part of the EU-funded SHARED GREEN DEAL project, the research examined four year-long knowledge networks in Vilnius, Lithuania, Nógrád County, Hungary, Zaragoza, Spain and Mayo County, Ireland. Together, they involved 140 citizens and professionals across 50 events, including workshops, meetings and site visits.

Led by Prof. Chris Foulds, the researchers from Anglia Ruskin University (UK) and Aalborg University (DK) found that many households do not simply need more information. They need practical know-how on how to plan, finance and manage renovations in real-life situations.

The study identified four important types of renovation know-how shared through the networks: technical know-how, administrative and financial know-how, know-how for managing social relationships, and know-how about trusted renovation actors such as contractors and advisors.

The authors conclude that “Knowledge networks offer a promising approach to accelerating efficient renovations.”

Participants said practical, real-world learning made the greatest difference. One participant explained: “There is nothing better than first-hand experience. It’s better to have someone who tells you about it in their own flesh, than to read a thousand guides, a thousand reports.”

Another participant described how visiting homes and seeing renovation measures in place helped turn uncertainty into confidence: “It was a brilliant way to demonstrate that this work can be done.”

The findings are especially relevant as Europe seeks to reduce energy waste, improve housing quality and strengthen energy security through faster renovation of homes and buildings.

The study is part of a wider workstream which also offers practical lessons for municipalities, community organisations and policymakers: bring citizens and professionals together, prioritise hands-on local learning, and create inclusive spaces where trust can grow over time. It also offers specific case guidance, and specific stories of change from Ireland and Hungary.

With millions of homes across Europe still in need of energy efficiency upgrades, the research suggests that local collaboration and shared know-how could be an important missing piece in delivering renovation at scale.

The journal article is available here.

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