The city of Differdange is strengthening energy efficiency in Luxembourg with its project Zesumme renovéieren, which promotes the sustainable renovation of residential buildings. Supported by Klima-Agence, the Ministry of Energy and Spatial Development, the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development, and the National Institute for Architectural Heritage (INPA), this initiative helps homeowners lower their energy consumption, improve their living conditions, and contribute to the city’s goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2030.
Objectives and development
The main goal of Zesumme Renovéieren is to increase energy efficiency in Differdange’s residential areas. With over 4,000 properties in focus, the project offers tailored support for homeowners to renovate their homes, improve insulation, and reduce energy waste. By doing so, it helps lower CO2 emissions while making homes more sustainable.
Launched in April 2023, Zesumme Renovéieren contributes to the objectives of the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (PNEC) of Luxembourg and supports Differdange’s participation in the European “NetZeroCities” initiative, about which you can read in our previous blog post. The city’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 formed the basis for this pilot project.
The project identifies common building types across the city and provides renovation solutions specifically tailored to each type. A neighbourhood office, managed by a representative of Klima-Agence, acts as a central contact point for residents. Here, homeowners can get advice, connect with certified energy advisors, and receive guidance on subsidy applications and the renovation process.
Key actions towards energy efficiency
From initial assessments to the implementation of energy-saving measures, Zesumme Renovéieren” offers comprehensive support to homeowners. Some of the key activities include:
- Neighbourhood analysis: Experts identified the architectural characteristics of Differdange’s neighbourhoods to offer renovation solutions that both respect heritage and improve energy efficiency. Guided tours in September and October 2023 highlighted renovation potential in areas such as Cité Sicon and Cité Breitfeld. These events also showcased how insulation techniques can preserve architectural details like mansard roofs and window bands.
- Homeowner engagement: Residents can use the project’s website to receive personalised building profiles, complete with renovation recommendations, and information about available subsidies. After registering, homeowners benefit from an in-person visit by a Klima-Agence advisor to discuss suitable insulation measures and create a tailored renovation plan. Homeowners can assess the potential for renovation based on the building typologies provided in the catalogue by Klima-Agence (see figure X)
- Subsidy support: Homeowners who choose to move forward with their renovations get additional support. Klima-Agence covers the costs of a certified energy advisor, ensuring high-quality advice and making participants eligible for subsidies like the Klimabonus. Tools like subsidy simulator and renovation simulator help residents understand the financial aspects and plan their projects.
- Neighbourhood office: Open weekly, this office provides a consistent point of contact for residents to address queries and receive hands-on support from project staff.
Thanks to these activities, the project has already seen strong participation. As of late 2023, over 170 homeowners have signed up, and the latest registration period remained open until end of November 2024.
Outlook
Zesumme renovéieren has already made a real impact in Differdange, with more than 170 homeowners taking steps to improve their homes. The project will run until the end of 2025, continuing to offer tailored advice, technical expertise, and access to subsidies. By helping even more residents renovate their homes, the initiative contributes to the city’s vision of a more energy-efficient and sustainable future. Every completed renovation brings Differdange closer to achieving its carbon neutrality goals.
Contact
Klima-Agence: zesumme-renoveieren@klima-agence.lu
City of Differdange: energiespueren@differdange.lu
References
Klima-Agence (English, French, German): https://www.klima-agence.lu/en/zesumme-renoveieren
City of Differdange: (English, French, German): https://differdange.lu/vivre/environnement/projets/zesumme-renoveieren/
Catalogue of building typologies in Differdange: https://www.klima-agence.lu/en/building-types
