Across Europe, the challenge of renovating millions of ageing homes is no longer just about insulation or new windows, we must roll our sleeves up and redo entire neighbourhoods. Policymakers are realising that change is faster and cheaper when it happens at the district level. Shared heating networks, renewable energy systems and common design standards can bring economies of scale that no single building project could match.
Yet the bigger the scale, the tougher the task. Coordinating local authorities, housing providers, investors and residents takes patience and trust. Financing remains a stumbling block, as upfront costs rise even when long-term savings are clear. The goal is not only lower emissions, but better places to live which translates into safer streets, warmer homes, stronger communities.
This seminar, part of the Affordable Housing Initiative Days, coordinated by Housing Europe, asks how Europe can move from promising pilots to large-scale, people-centred renovation. Speakers from Sweden to Slovakia will share lessons from their own districts — the wins, the trade-offs, the mistakes. Together, they will explore how policy, finance and design can align to make holistic renovation the new normal. Fixing buildings, it turns out, is really about rebuilding trust in the places we call home.
There are 80 spots available to welcome you in Prague on 18 November at Hotel Grandior. See the full programme and register here. 
The day will continue with a pitching session which is invitation-only.

On November 19, a day after the AHI seminar, there will be the opportunity to explore key technical approaches that are shaping the future of sustainable and innovative construction and renovation practices. Participants will be introduced to a technical blueprint covering modular building systems, circularity, energy efficiency, and digitalisation. In the second part of the workshop, attendees will be divided randomly into four groups and will rotate through each of the four topics. This format will allow everyone to engage with all themes, share experiences, identify barriers, and reflect on opportunities for improvement. Later in the day, there will be a site visit to see tangible results and discuss how measures look like when put into practice.
Please note that both events are restricted to our Affordable Housing Initiative Pioneers.