Topic of the Month (April 2026)
Each month a relevant topic and several sub-topics are covered in detail. For the Topic of the Month, content following a common thread is developed by BUILD UP Editorial Board in collaboration with the Board of Ambassadors and other relevant experts in the field. This includes producing articles, case studies, webinars and more, all in line with the specific topic selected. Relevant events are also identified and highlighted.
Topics of the Month are announced at the end of the previous month in our website and newsletter. Please write us if you wish to know more about our upcoming topics of the month.
This ToM explores the role of energy communities in the EU’s clean energy transition, focusing on:
- Revised EPBD provisions relevant to energy communities
- Citizen Energy Package
- Energy sharing and collective self-consumption in multi-apartment buildings
- Financing models for community-based building projects (LIFE CET, Energy Communities Facility, cooperative capital)
…and more!
- Policy and regulatory developments at EU, national or regional levels
- Societal issue where these relate to the energy efficiency and renewable energy in buildings
- Zero-emission buildings
- Building Renovation
- Financial support for energy efficiency in buildings, research and innovation
- Energy efficiency technologies and solutions
Showing 1 of 38 posts
Citizen-led renovation is gaining ground in Europe as a pathway to accelerate the energy transition from the local level, although its success depends on stable structures and sustained support.
News
Energy communities are reshaping participation in Europe’s energy system, from renewable projects to collective self-consumption. Under the revised EPBD and the Citizens’ Energy Package, buildings are emerging as hubs for collective participation and decarbonisation.
Overview Article
A new set of recommendations has been presented by the European Commission to protect and support households in engaging in the clean energy transition. The measures, part of the Citizens Energy Package, focus on affordability, consumer protection and active participation in the energy system.
News
The European Energy Communities Facility opens its second call on 5 May. An online info session on 6 May will guide applicants through eligibility, requirements, and the full application process to support the preparation of strong proposals.
Event
System mapping of four European cases uncovers distinct pathways to energy cooperation, helping practitioners design context-specific approaches rather than replicate fixed models.
Technical Article
Eine ländliche österreichische Gemeinde zeigt, dass die Energiewende lokal, digital und gemeinschaftlich gestaltet werden kann, indem erneuerbare Infrastrukturen mit neuen Instrumenten für Management und Bürgerbeteiligung kombiniert werden.
Publication
Leuven is advancing its heat transition by working with citizens and community partners to explore collective approaches to local energy systems and shared heating solutions.
News
Energetske zajednice mogu zgrade pretvoriti iz pasivnih potrošača u aktivne sudionike u energetskom sustavu, smanjujući troškove, jačajući otpornost i ubrzavajući lokalnu dekarbonizaciju kroz zajedničko djelovanje.
Technical Article
A recent webinar explored how citizen finance and crowdfunding can help communities mobilise resources for clean energy and renovation projects.
News
An EU audit finds that energy communities are expanding but remain far from meeting the Union’s 2025 and 2030 expectations, with gaps in definitions, monitoring, and national support.
Publication