Creating an enabling environment for accelerating condominium energy retrofitting: case studies in Grenoble (FR) and Brussels (BE)

Energy retrofitting in condominiums involves collective decision making, the complexity of which is believed to be one of the main barriers to retrofitting projects. A strong heterogeneity among the occupants in terms of age, education, income, or occupancy status, as well as varying interests and perceptions, can make it difficult to gather people around and agree on a common project. In this paper, we present the results of two in depth case studies about condominium renovation projects that took place in Grenoble (France) and Brussels (Belgium). Those in-depth case studies investigate the elements that are needed to create an enabling environment stimulating the acceleration of energy retrofitting of condominiums, and took place within the Interreg NWE “ACE Retrofitting” project. The enabling environment surrounding a successful retrofit is shown in these case studies to be more than just providing process facilitation or a financing scheme. It takes time to put an enabling environment in place. For different locations across Europe, different enabling environments are needed. Clearly, this requires giving more attention to condominiums at the local, regional, national and European levels. Among other crucial element to look for, social acceptance is at the heart of decision-making in retrofitting projects. This study concludes with propositions and policy recommendations, at the different levels of the social-ecological model.