ROSH – development and marketing of integrated concepts for energy efficient and sustainable retrofitting of social housing

Background

There is no single formal definition of what social housing is within Europe and this holds also true for the regions involved in the ROSH project. For the purpose of the project “social housing” was defined as multi-family houses or apartment buildings for low-income households. Millions and millions of these types of buildings in Europe have been built in the sixties. Buildings which come into focus more often regarding economical and social problems, less than for reasons touching energy or sustainability. But to meet the demands of today and tomorrow these neglected building resorts have to address the application of energy efficiency and sustainability. The building sector in the EU accounts for 40% of the final energy consumption. An estimate of one fifths of this energy could be saved profitably. In the next 15 years more than one million new buildings are going to be erected in the EU, approximately 1 to 2% of the building stock undergo retrofitting every year. One thing is very clear: the energy efficiency of buildings can be improved considerably – either in retrofitting or in new buildings. Against the background of sustainable, indigenous and secure energy for Europe the saving of energy in the building sector is essential.

Target groups
The project has had an action orientated, practical approach addressing the following target and to stimulate the increase of social housing being retrofitted groups:

• Local authorities, municipalities and regional governments
• Architects, engineering consultants and planners
• Policy makers and local / regional administration
• ESCO´s and utilities
• Financing institutes
• Tenants and tenants associations
• Energy and advertising agencies

Main Lessons Learnt

The different participating partner regions within ROSH are positive about the enormous potential of energy savings in the social housing sector. Though local conditions and requirements differ, similar problems as well as similar positive results have been experienced. Beside others the consortium agreed on the following main lessons learnt:

European standards, but common ground for quality assurance

There is no common definition of the term “social housing” and no common building standard for social housing across Europe. This fact leads to problems in the development of tailored schemes in the different partner countries. Despite these diversities in definitions and standards there is still common ground: Quality assurance is a key topic in all partner regions irrespective of specific local conditions. Quality assurance helps to guarantee good energy performances and a healthy living environment and prevents construction damages.

Training and awareness secure good results
Social housing is a difficult operating field because of economic constraints and many regulations. Planers, architects, housing associations, owners and tenants have to be informed early about advantages of an approach which aims at the maximum of sustainability. Convincing people of the usefulness is difficult and takes time. It is also very important to give very practical advice on energetic retrofitting and the proper use of a modernized building. ROSH experiences show this is a help, which both owners and tenants will be glad to receive. Training and awareness campaigns are thus elements which are to be seen as crucial and integral means for achieving good results.