How to start a renovation when your budget is tight? What steps to take if not everyone in your apartment building agrees on the renovation? Are solar panels suitable for smaller buildings? How to know if it’s worth taking any action at all?

These are just a few of the questions that have come up in the new online format launched by the Tartu Regional Energy Agency (TREA), where homeowners can ask experts directly and get support tailored to their specific building situation.

What is it?

It’s a series of online workshops, first piloted in June 2025. The format has two main aims:

  • To help homeowners better navigate their options and receive advice based on their building’s specific condition.
  • To give advisors a clearer picture of homeowners’ needs, concerns, and expectations – so we can offer even better support in the future.

The goal is to create a direct and easily accessible environment where homeowners can:

  • Ask questions (in advance or during the workshop),
  • Receive practical guidance and support in implementing renovation plans,
  • Hear about others’ experiences and find inspiration for their own next steps.

What was discussed in the first sessions?

Across three sessions held in June, the most common interests were:

  • How to start renovation with a limited budget and high administrative burden,
  • What to do when not all residents are ready to commit to a joint renovation decision,
  • What options exist for small apartment buildings if subsidies aren’t available,
  • When it makes sense to consider renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels.

These topics clearly point to a strong need for personalised and easy-to-understand advice. While discussing renovation plans often also requires a building inspection or further clarification, this simple online format offers a good starting point and initial guidance.

What’s next?

  • We would like to continue testing the format. Regular online meetings – for example, every other week – seem a promising way to reach more interested homeowners.
  • To participate, it’s enough to either listen in or send a question in advance – active participation is welcome but not required.
  • The workshops are not recorded or available for replay – they are intended for real-time discussions and direct interaction with experts.
  • Based on the questions we receive, we aim to gradually develop a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section to provide useful information for those who can’t attend live. This is still in development and depends on whether enough questions and answers are gathered to create a coherent resource.

What is the CEESEN-BENDER Project?

The first sessions were organised as part of the CEESEN-BENDER project, which supports improved energy efficiency, better living conditions, and reduced energy poverty in Central and Eastern Europe. The project identifies renovation barriers and develops solutions to make building upgrades faster and more accessible.

Together with the CEESEN-BENDER project, we are carrying out actions to accelerate building renovation and improve housing conditions. This includes analysing ownership structures and technical obstacles that have slowed down renovation processes so far. We also map legal, financial, and technical barriers faced by apartment associations, homeowners, municipalities, and landlords. Data is collected on energy poverty, and tools are being developed to help identify buildings in need of support.

More information about the project and the CEESEN network: