Croatia prepares €27m scheme for energy renovation of family houses

ZAGREB, Aug 19 (Hina) – The Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency is preparing to receive applications for energy renovation of family homes under an HRK 203 million scheme, and individual grants are capped at a maximum of 204,000 kuna.

The ministry of physical planning and construction said in a report published on its website on Wednesday that after the government in mid-May amended the programme for the energy renovation of family homes, the fund published a public call for applications for funding under the HRK 203 million scheme.

Applications can be submitted as of 1 September.

“The aim of the programme is to encourage the implementation of energy efficiency measures and the use of renewable energy sources in family houses. That will lead to a reduction of energy required for heating and cooling in residential buildings, and will consequently increase savings in energy and finances and improve the quality of living,” the ministry says.

Family homes account for two-thirds of the country’s housing stock

The ministry underlines that family homes account to 65% of the country’s housing stock, and their energy consumption accounts for 40% of total energy consumption at the national level.

The majority of family homes were built before 1987 and when assessed for their energy efficiency, they were rated in category E for energy performance certificates (EPCs). These constructions consume 70% of energy for heating, cooling, and hot water. According to some estimates, their energy consumption can be reduced by 60%.

The scheme will provide funds for the insulation of external walls, ceilings, and floors, replacement of windows and doors, etc.

Under the scheme, eligible applicants can count on grants to cover 60% of the costs of energy renovation, with grants capped at 204,000 kuna (€27,200).

Croatians at risk of energy poverty will also be eligible to receive assistance to cover 100% of the approved project costs, and 32 million kuna has been set aside for this purpose under the scheme. Social welfare workers and energy assessors will assist citizens concerned to prepare their applications for full coverage of their energy renovation costs.