The improvement of energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources have become key priorities across all Croatian regions. This includes Medjimurje County, one of the pilot areas of the CEESEN-BENDER project, which focuses on sustainable renovation of multi-apartment buildings. As part of this project, Medjimurje Energy Agency (MENEA) organized thematic workshops and Q&A sessions for homeowners, landlords, tenants, and building managers.
These events revealed several challenges affecting building renovation in Croatia. The most pressing issues were construction quality, professional capacity, and financial and organizational barriers. Participants cited poorly executed works, incomplete cost estimates, and flawed designs, often causing inefficiencies and dissatisfaction. A shortage of qualified contractors and designers underscored the need for targeted training in energy-efficient construction and project management.
Rising material and labor costs were also a significant constraint, frequently delaying renovations. Participants emphasized the importance of improving coordination and communication among homeowners, building managers, and contractors to prevent misunderstandings. The technical complexity of air quality monitoring – particularly device placement, data handling, and interpretation – created additional uncertainty. Unresolved questions about funding responsibilities and long-term financing further highlighted the need for clearer guidance on cost-sharing and financial planning.
During the discussions, participants raised practical questions such as how to define a successful renovation, manage rising costs, interpret air quality data, and address anomalies. In response, experts from MENEA advised that success depends on early stakeholder engagement, the involvement of qualified professionals, accurate cost planning, and consistent quality control throughout all phases of the renovation process. Regular coordination meetings and transparent communication were recommended as essential tools for preventing delays and ensuring accountability.
Overall, the CEESEN-BENDER project and its activities in Medjimurje County have reinforced the importance of an integrated, well-managed, and participatory approach to energy renovation. During the project, MENEA has played a central role as project partner by providing comprehensive technical assistance and capacity-building support. This included identifying key barriers to renovation, conducting technical analyses of multi-apartment buildings, supporting air quality monitoring implementation, and developing innovative IT tools for building prioritization and return-on-investment calculations.
By combining technical innovation, professional capacity-building, and strong community engagement, the initiative is setting a solid foundation for high-quality, cost-effective, and sustainable renovation practices that can be replicated across other Croatian regions.