Join us on 14 May in Zagreb, Croatia for a strategic forum dedicated to exchanging concrete experiences, policies, and financial models for the deep renovation of multi-apartment buildings in Central and Eastern Europe. The goal is to connect policymakers, financiers, local stakeholders, and citizens to jointly address the challenge of energy poverty.

Bringing together participants from Croatia, Estonia, Poland, Romania, and Slovenia, the conference will cover renovation and climate plans, practical financing models to support vulnerable households, and a showcase of tools, solutions, and best practices from EU projects and partner cities.

Why attend:

• Exchange experiences on the implementation of National Renovation Plans and Social Climate Plans in CEE countries
• Discover practical financing models and tools for involving energy-poor citizens in renovation processes
• Connect with project leaders, local authorities, and financial institutions to foster new partnerships
• Strengthen local capacities through best practice examples with stakeholders from Ptuj, Čakovec, Alba Iulia, Tartu, and Warsaw

Who should attend:

This forum is designed for policymakers, financiers, local authorities, housing associations, civil society organisations, and citizens engaged in or affected by building renovation across Central and Eastern Europe.

Full Agenda

Affordable and Sustainable Renovation Pathways to Combat Energy Poverty in CEE Multi-apartment Buildings: Bridging Policy, Practice, and People for a Just Renovation in Central and Eastern Europe

14 May 2026 – Zagreb, Croatia
Venue: Hrvatsko novinarsko društvo, Perkovčeva street 2, 10000, Zagreb

09:30–10:00 Arrival & Registration

10:00–10:15 Welcome words by Miljenka Kuhar, Society for Sustainable Development Design (DOOR)

I SESSION. PRACTICAL RENOVATION SOLUTIONS FROM THE CEESEN-BENDER PROJECT
10:15–10:35 CEESEN-BENDER Project’s Goals and Impact. Miljenka Kuhar, DOOR
10:35–10:55 Energy Poverty Survey Results from CEE countries. Tomislav Cik, DOOR
10:55–11:15 Simple Renovation ROI Calculator Demo. Julia Bartkowiak, Mazovia Energy Agency (MAE)
11:15–11:35 Synthesis of Building Renovation Pilot Area Roadmaps across 5 CEE countries. tbc
11:35–11:55 Synthesis of Insights on Building Renovation Barriers and Policy Recommendations tbc

12:00–12:30 Coffee Break & Networking

II SESSION. PRACTICAL TOOLS FROM SISTER PROJECTS
12:30–12:45 MESTRI-CE Tools for Smart and Sustainable Management of Public and Private Buildings. Julia Bartkowiak & Martyna Rosiak, MAE
12:45–13:00 AI Advisory Tool to Optimise the Renovation Process from DEAP project. Rami Kotilainen, Tampere University of Applied Sciences
13:00–13:15 Simplifying and Accelerating Renovation with Prefabricated Facade Panels: Estonian Experience. Martin Kikas, Tartu Regional Energy Agency
13:15–13:30 Energy Efficiency Marketplace from CrossReno Project. tbc

13:30–15:00 Networking lunch & poster presentations

15:00–16:15 PANEL DISCUSSION. Policy and Practice: National Renovation Plans and Social Climate Strategies Translated into Local Actions

Moderator: Miljenka Kuhar (DOOR)
Panellists:
» Representative from City of Zagreb
» Representative from Ministry of Physical Planning, Construction and State Assets, Croatia
» Erik Potočar, Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy, Slovenia
» Izabela Szostak-Smith, Infrastructure Department, City Hall of Warsaw
» Kaspar Alev, Ministry of Climate, Estonia
» Irina Tatu, Romanian Network of Energy Cities
» Andreea Sicoe, Centru Development Agency

16:15–17:30 PANEL DISCUSSION. Energy Observatories and Practical Tools as Solution for Addressing Energy Poverty

Panellists:
» Kristina Eisfeld, Energy Poverty Advisory Hub
» Karine Jegiazarjana, Climate Alliance
» Alice Corovessi, Initialising Energy Balance Towards Zero (INZEB)
» Irina Tatu, Romanian Network of Energy Cities
» Representative, Fund for Energy Efficiency, Croatia

18:30 Networking dinner at The Swanky Bar (Ilica 50, 10000, Zagreb).

 

Logistical Information

The event will be held at the Hrvatsko novinarski dom, located in the city centre of Zagreb. The venue is centrally located in Zagreb and is easily accessible by public transport. Several tram and bus lines stop within a short walking distance, providing convenient connections from different parts of the city. Zagreb’s main railway station (Glavni kolodvor) is approximately a 15-minute walk from the venue, or just a few minutes by tram. The central bus station (Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb) is also well connected by public transport and can be reached in around 15–20 minutes.

Zagreb Airport is located about 15 km from the city centre. It can be reached in approximately 25–30 minutes by car or taxi. An airport shuttle bus operates regularly between the airport and the main bus station, from where you can continue by tram or taxi to the venue.

Catering

Coffee breaks and a networking lunch will be provided during the day. A networking dinner will be organised for participants in the evening.

Accommodation

Participants are kindly requested to arrange their own accommodation. As the conference venue is located in the city centre, there is a wide range of hotels, hostels, and private apartments available within walking distance or a short tram ride. The central area around the venue offers options for different budgets, from business hotels to boutique accommodation and short-term rentals. Staying in the city centre (e.g. around the Main Square – Ban Jelačić Square, the Lower Town, or near the Main Railway Station) is recommended for the easiest access to the conference location, as well as to restaurants, cafés, and local attractions. Zagreb is a compact and safe city, making it easy to get around on foot or by public transport. Early booking is recommended, as availability may be limited closer to the event date.

Contact

For any additional information, please contact info@door.hr