The LIFE Arec Reno project: Next stage of collective buy-in schemes for deep renovation

Boosting deep district renovation with joint demand, bio-materials, inclusive jobs & better business models

LIFE project Arec Reno (Agro Reno Empower Collective) brings together leading innovators and market shapers from France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, and Ireland. Our shared mission is clear: to drive the next stage of collective buy-in schemes and deliver deep renovation across entire districts of social housing.

We believe that real change happens when communities, companies, and citizens work hand in hand. That’s why we focus on:

• Stronger cooperation between residents, housing organisations, and businesses

• Building an inclusive workforce that opens opportunities for all

• Promoting biobased and agro materials for healthier, more sustainable homes

• Developing innovative business models that make renovation more accessible

Our ambition is bold: to achieve deep renovation of at least 88 homes across Italy, Ireland, France, and Germany.

Three domains of change guide our work:

1. Demand side activation with greater standardisation & aggregation

We will provide tools and guidance to building owners (residents & housing organisations) with improved standard retrofit packages for One Stop Shops (product catalogue). These will include low carbon and climate adaptation solutions, an online platform to better organize collective buy- in-schemes and demonstration roadshows to scale up the demand.

2. Supply side cooperation with integrated upcycling and more inclusive workforce

We will provide methods and training to building companies & SMEs for more cooperation and improved circular practices, to optimize their costs and quality of delivery. We will support these SMEs to attract a more inclusive workforce and to embed the upcycling culture in renovation projects.

3. Improved market conditions with a diversified suite of financial instruments

We will support the scale up of district-based renovation schemes to accelerate their roll-out. Switching from “one-house” approaches to “district-wide” approaches with a consideration for Community Land Trust (CLT) investment, citizen crowdfunding for deep renovation, circular business model and energy performance guarantee.

Across all three domains, we will use gamification to spark participation, encourage innovation, and attract new stakeholders.

Project AREC is about more than buildings — it’s about empowering people, strengthening communities, and creating a greener future.