Între vecini
About this good practice
Intre Vecini is a public-oriented initiative that provides guidance and financial support to enhance the sustainability of apartment blocks, aiming to improve the overall quality of life for residents. The program empowers residents’ associations to submit project proposals focused on building stronger communities and implementing environmentally conscious practices. These include energy efficiency upgrades, ecological waste management, the creation of green spaces, and the installation of photovoltaic panels.
Through funding and support, Intre Vecini facilitates social and training events, such as workshops on waste management, composting, air quality, urban farming, and energy and water efficiency. The initiative raises awareness about actionable steps residents can take to reduce their carbon footprints while offering practical resources to achieve these goals.
With plans to expand to Dolj, Galați, Gorj, Hunedoara, Mureș, and Prahova counties, Intre Vecini is set to reach areas with a high number of prosumers, leveraging recent funding schemes to further empower communities. This public-focused effort not only advances sustainability but also fosters collective action and community resilience.
The Intra Vecini is an NGO that is directly in contact with the Owners' Association and its citizens.
The municipality of Alba Iulia could act as a replicator of the action in this case and help facilitate communication with other communities at national level.
Resources needed
Intre Vecini, funded by private companies and NGOs, recently partnered with BRD Groupe Société Générale, a universal bank, as its main sponsor for 2023–2024. The partnership supports installing photovoltaic panels and sustainable projects, providing up to €15,000 in funding per community.
Evidence of success
Intre Vecini has managed to finance seven residents’ associations and facilitated (offered support) an additional two communities. Some of the activities carried out were urban beekeeping, cultural activities, training on recycling, shared space interior design, and energy efficiency training.
The community established in Sector 6, Bucharest, has a 5 kW photovoltaic system that generated approximately 1,200 euros in revenue for the association's budget in a year.
Potential for learning or transfer
In addition to organizing various activities, IntreVecini has developed comprehensive guidelines for installing photovoltaic panels on the roofs of residential blocks. These guidelines cover technical, legal, and financial aspects in an easy-to-understand manner. Despite potential variations in national legislation, the guidelines can be readily adapted for use in any Central or Eastern European city, as well as by future real estate developers aiming to create sustainable buildings. Furthermore, IntreVecini proposes dedicated guidelines for establishing gardens and green spaces around residential blocks, which can be replicated by other local initiatives in different countries.
Further information
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Good practice owner
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