Екологічне утеплення житлового будинку на Чернгівщині

Bio-based renovation of a brick residential building in Ukraine - TEPLO

The TEPLO project is retrofitting a Soviet-era apartment building in the Chernihiv region with rapid-install, bio-based prefabricated panels to improve energy efficiency and resident comfort.

Our goal is to inspire widespread adoption of this resource-efficient and agile renovation approach. Through targeted training and guidelines for architects, engineers, and homeowners' associations (OSBB), we aim to set a new standard for circular, community-centered renovations across Ukraine.

Project team:

Project Management – Natalie Fadeeva, Roman Puchko
Communications – Natalie Shvets, Liza Makarytska

Partners:

Neo-Eco
Matek AS
Ro3kvit Urban Coalition for Ukraine

Supported by:

LIFE – European Commission

Year:

2024-2026

Website:

https://www.teplo-project.in.ua/

Press:

shotam mynizhyn radioera

Project Inquiry

Ukraine's housing stock, largely built before 1990, is a legacy of energy inefficiency. The ongoing Russian aggression has intensified energy vulnerabilities, raising a critical question: How can we retrofit these buildings to be energy-efficient, comfortable, and sustainable? Could bio-based prefabricated insulation be the solution?

If we successfully demonstrate a renovation pilot and equip architects, engineers, political decision makers and homeowners' associations (HOAs) with the necessary knowledge and tools, could we ignite a nationwide transformation in the housing sector?

About
the Project

TEPLO is the thermal bio-based renovation of a Soviet residential building in Ukraine. ReThink, Neo-Eco, Matek AS, and Ro3kvit Urban Coalition for Ukraine have formed a consortium to launch a pioneering initiative dedicated to renovating an old brick building in the Chernihiv region in Ukraine.

The overall project aim is to improve residents' well-being by ecologically insulating the building, increasing energy efficiency, and spreading circular construction practices in Ukraine as an exemplary model. Guided by New European Bauhaus principles, we prioritize circular construction, aesthetic appeal, and community involvement to create a more sustainable and inclusive living environment.
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We aim to upgrade an outdated and inefficient structure in Ukraine, using prefabricated bio-based panels, to showcase how circular innovation can maximize energy efficiency and enhance resident well-being. Through the building’s renovation, we seek to reduce energy consumption, bring cost savings for the residents, and decrease reliance on fossil fuels.

In addition to the renovation, the project will develop training programs for homeowners' associations (OSBB) and construction professionals, along with comprehensive guidelines. These resources will help extend the knowledge and practices from TEPLO to other projects, highlight the potential of prefabrication and bio-based materials in Ukraine, and drive the adoption of circular renovations.

The project is supported by the EU LIFE Programme, contributing to the EU's mission to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

Our Role

ReThink leads the TEPLO project’s communication, dissemination, and visibility efforts, creating a strong brand and high-impact communication strategy.

In parallel, we are supporting the development of capacity-building programs for construction professionals. This will ensure that the industry is equipped to deliver high-quality, energy-efficient renovations.

Drawing on the insights from the Chernihiv pilot, ReThink will play a crucial role in developing evidence-based policy recommendations and practical renovation guidelines. These will serve as a foundation for scaling up successful approaches across Ukraine and beyond.

Impact

We expect this initiative to set a significant precedent in Ukraine, showcasing a model for accelerating resource-efficient renovations while minimizing emissions and waste. Our goal is to drive widespread adoption of prefabricated circular apartment renovations across the country, leading to more holistic, resource-efficient, and time-effective upgrades.

Expanding these renovations can significantly reduce energy consumption, providing substantial economic, social, and environmental benefits and advancing Ukraine's energy independence.