On September 24, the West University of Timișoara’s Advanced Environmental Research Institute (ICAM) became a focal point for climate and energy transition discussions during the Energy Joint Side Event of the OpenLivingLab Days 2024 (OLLD2024). The event, titled “Energizing Tomorrow: Innovative Collaboration Models for Climate and Energy Transition,” was co-organized by multiple European projects, including oPEN Lab, 2ISECAP, LIFE-BECKON, and SWEET Lantern. It brought together experts, stakeholders, and innovators to explore collaboration models, renewable energy integration, and the broader implications of energy transition at local and regional levels. 

The event featured the participation of Victoria Taranu from the Buildings Performance Institute Europe (BPIE), a key partner in the e-SAFE project, along with Dr. Ioan Silviu Dobosi, associate professor of architecture at the Polytechnic University of Timișoara and president of the Romanian Association of Building Services Engineers. A s an active member of REHVA, Dr. Dobosi presented the e-SAFE project as a groundbreaking initiative focused on the deep renovation of the EU’s building stock, combining energy decarbonization, earthquake resilience, improved indoor comfort, and cost-efficiency. Most importantly, Dr. Dobosi serves as the primary point of contact for e-SAFE regarding the Timisoara pilot project, ensuring smooth coordination and collaboration with all involved parties. 

During his presentation, Dr. Dobosi shared the technological innovations and results achieved by the pilot project in Timișoara. He emphasized the success of the project’s co-design process, involving both students and teachers, to foster energy efficiency and renewable energy integration within the building sector. This process aligns with one of the key themes of the event—collaboration models facilitating energy efficiency and renewable energy integration. 

The discussion surrounding the e-SAFE project fitted well into the context of the event, which covered several themes including:  

• Energy performance and technological advancements: Dr. Dobosi showcased the efficiency gains and technological solutions implemented in the Timisoara pilot, underscoring how innovative systems like e-SAFE are driving the energy transition. 

• Social and economic impact: In line with the event’s focus on the social implications of energy transition, Dr. Dobosi highlighted how e-SAFE’s affordable financing models and reduced implementation times can aid in the renovation of vulnerable households. 

• Regulatory and policy frameworks: The role of local and EU-wide regulations in accelerating or hindering energy efficiency projects was a topic of great interest, with examples shared during the debate on how policies like the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) could enhance large-scale building renovation initiatives. 

This side event was more than just a platform for exchanging technical knowledge—it created a collaborative environment where participants discussed real-world strategies and barriers, shared best practices, and explored potential solutions to advance the energy transition across European cities and neighborhoods. 

The e-SAFE project, with its innovative approach to deep building renovation, earthquake resilience, and reduced carbon footprints, was recognized as a prime example of the kinds of initiatives needed to drive sustainable urban energy solutions.