The new RENOVERTY Policy Brief showcases how our Rural Energy Efficiency Roadmaps (REERs) provide a practical, inclusive, and scalable framework for effectively addressing rural energy poverty throughout Europe. Rural areas often face unique challenges, including ageing and inefficient housing stock, limited access to affordable finance, and institutional weaknesses, all of which complicate renovation efforts.
The REER methodology, proven across seven pilot regions, directly tackles these issues by linking technical, legal, financial, and social/community measures to create tailored renovation pathways. Our experience confirmed that integrated solutions are key: Local Action Groups (LAGs) and One-Stop-Shops (OSS) proved invaluable in connecting households with support, and co-creation with local actors ensured the measures were feasible and tailored to local realities. The REERs effectively bridge EU ambitions with local delivery, ensuring no rural household is left behind in the energy transition.
The flexible design of REERs aligns directly with major EU policies, including the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), and the upcoming Social Climate Fund. To maximize their impact and ensure long-term trust, integrating REERs into national renovation strategies and funding mechanisms is key. Furthermore, to overcome high upfront costs and administrative burdens , governments must fund and mandate local One-Stop-Shops, establish tailored grant schemes and microloans, and reinforce capacity-building for local authorities. By mainstreaming REERs, we can ensure the path toward climate neutrality is not only ambitious, but also fair, inclusive, and tailored to the needs of citizens in every region of Europe.
