BeSMART:
Bulgarian Energy Efficiency Forum on Smart Finance for Smart Buildings  

The transition to a low carbon economy requires higher levels of energy efficiency and better energy management, the entry of new specialised services and the development of appropriate financing mechanisms. This challenge is relevant particularly in the Bulgarian buildings sector, where the current 100% grant mechanism for the renovation of multi-family residential buildings needs to be reformed into a more sustainable financing scheme that is socially permeable, ensures the participation of vulnerable consumers and at the same time sets higher benchmarks for energy efficiency and environmental benefits.

What is our aim?

The aim of BeSMART is to create a permanent discussion forum for joint policy development and the structuring of innovative financing schemes to stimulate investment in energy efficiency. In this respect, the project foresees the following activities:
- Involving all stakeholders in an open dialogue
- Dissemination of good practices, initiatives and tools
- Building an online communication platform for knowledge sharing and experience
- Conducting 9 national roundtables with wide media coverage
- Concrete recommendations for the development of financial instruments to support energy efficiency

How will we get there?

• Involving all stakeholders in an open dialogue
  
• By disseminating good practices, initiatives and tools
  
• By building an online communication platform to share knowledge and experiences
  
• By holding nine national roundtables with wide media coverage
• With concrete recommendations for the development of financial instruments to support energy efficiency
  

Main benefits:

• Active participation and first-hand information on the design of new financial schemes for energy efficiency
  
• Increased potential to develop and manage deep energy-efficient building renovation projects
  
• Support for local 2030 Sustainable Energy and Climate Plans and building renovation strategies
  
• Momentum in the push towards a more attractive and accessible urban environments, reduced energy poverty and better air quality.
  

National Roundtables

• Sofia, 05.10.2021 - Background note  and Factsheet
• Velingrad, 29.11.2021 - Background note and Factsheet
• Burgas, 2-3.06.2022 - Background note and Factsheet
• Starosel, 26-27.09.2022 - Background note and Factsheet
• Sofia, 29.11.2022 - Background note and Factsheet
• Burgas, 1-2.06.2023 - Background note and Factsheet
• Sofia, 5.10.2023 - Background note and Factsheet
• Sofia, 27.11.2023 - Background note and Factsheet
• Sofia, 30.01.2024 - Background note and Factsheet
  
• Final conference in Troyan, 24.04.2024 - Agenda and Factsheet
  

Policy Recommendations

• Creation of a national interactive public ESCO register
• Creation of a functional unit at the National Decarbonisation Fund with the capacity to interact with innovative models for the implementation of EE/RES projects of ESCO type
• Introduction of provisions to ease the financial burden on the homeowners for implementation of the programme for renovation of multi-family residential buildings at the National Recovery and Resilience Plan
• Roadmap for renovation of multi-family residential buildings
  
• ESCO programming with subsidies
  
• ESCO Ordinance Update
  
• Concept for a pilot ESCO procedure
  
• Financial mechanisms and instruments facilitating the development of the market for energy efficiency services (EES) and renewable energy sources (RES)
  
• Alignment of EE projects with the international framework for public impact investments
  
• Establishment of a permanent programme for the renovation of residential buildings without 100% grant
  

Final brochure

Available here.

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Този проект е финансиран по програма Хоризонт 2020 на Европейския съюз със споразумение за безвъзмездна финансова помощ No 101033787.
Авторите на този уебсайт носят цялата отговорност за неговото съдържание. То не отразява непременно мнението на Европейския съюз. Нито Европейската комисия, нито Европейската изпълнителна агенция за климат, инфраструктура и околната среда (CINEA) са отговорни за каквото и да е използване на съдържащата се тук информация.