Policy Context and Market Capacities for Sustainable Building Renovations: A Comparative Analysis of Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia
We are excited to share the findings of our latest study that examines the policies, legislation, and market capacities for sustainable building renovations in three neighboring countries: Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia. This comprehensive review and analysis highlight both positive developments and the numerous gaps and weaknesses that need urgent attention to improve the state of building renovations.
Key Findings from the Study
Our analysis reveals that each country faces its own set of challenges:
Austria
Austria’s public renovation sector is hindered by the lack of a Climate Protection Law and the variability in regulations across the nine federal states. In the private sector, securing financial resources before the renovation process remains a significant challenge.
Hungary
Hungary struggles with the lack of long-term, predictable funding for both public and private renovations. Additionally, the need for unanimous consent from owners in multi-apartment buildings often prevents renovation projects from moving forward. To address this, there is a pressing need for sustainable financing models that allow for gradual, step-by-step renovation processes.
Slovenia
Slovenia faces challenges with poor communication between stakeholders and a slow return on investment in sustainable renovations. Like the other countries, Slovenia also encounters the issue of requiring unanimous consent from owners in multi-apartment buildings. On the positive side, Slovenia’s Eco Fund financial schemes offer non-refundable financial incentives that help both public and private buildings, particularly supporting energy-poor households.
The Path Forward: Knowledge Exchange and Collaboration
Despite these challenges, the study also reveals significant opportunities for improvement through cross-border collaboration. The countries involved—Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia—can learn from each other by exchanging knowledge and best practices. This exchange can take place through international platform events and other activities that bring together national financial experts and stakeholders from the construction sector. These events provide crucial opportunities for sharing insights and developing strategies that can be implemented across borders to address common challenges.
Thematic Working Groups and National Action Plans
The issues identified in this study will be further discussed at national thematic working group events and on national platforms, where the key stakeholders will collaborate to find solutions. These discussions will also inform the development of national action plans aimed at overcoming the barriers to scaling sustainable investment practices in building renovation.
Through these collaborative efforts, the shared learning experiences will be summarized in three national policy papers, which will present cross-border recommendations. These papers will serve as a guide for future initiatives and support the development of sustainable building renovation practices in the region.
Conclusion: Leveraging International Cooperation
By addressing the gaps highlighted in the study and leveraging the power of international cooperation, the RENOINVEST consortium aims to foster sustainable investment practices and enhance building renovation efforts across Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia. Through this collaborative approach, we can ensure that these countries not only overcome their current challenges but also build a sustainable, energy-efficient future for their built environments.
We encourage all stakeholders to explore the full report and participate in the upcoming events to continue the dialogue on how we can create a more sustainable future for building renovation.
