Takeaways from the #2 EnTRA Energy Transtion Talks: Practical paths to energy-efficient buildings

On 14 October 2026, the second EnTRA Energy Transition Talk explored practical ways to improve building energy efficiency. Experts from the Tartu Regional Energy Agency and the Renowave project in Võru shared insights into renovation measures, digital tools and approaches that help building owners make informed decisions.

Understanding why building energy efficiency matters

Annika Urbas from the Tartu Regional Energy Agency highlighted the importance of energy efficiency in buildings, noting that buildings do not use energy — people do. How we heat, ventilate and use our homes directly affects energy consumption.

In Estonia, households accounted for around 40% of final energy consumption in 2018, compared with an EU average of 25%. Improving building performance can therefore make a significant contribution to reducing energy use and costs.

Key measures include better insulation, efficient ventilation and heat recovery, LED lighting, modern heating systems, energy-efficient windows and energy monitoring. Energy performance certificates can help building owners understand their buildings’ current performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

Digital tools to support better renovation decisions

Marten Saareoks presented digital tools developed to support energy advice and renovation planning. These include Easy Energy Blueprints, a renovation calculator and a tool for assessing the feasibility and sizing of solar photovoltaic systems.

His central message was simple: start with the question, not the tool. Digital solutions can help compare options and understand potential benefits, but they do not replace energy audits, on-site assessments or expert advice. The right approach begins with understanding the building’s needs and selecting tools that support informed decisions.

Link to different Energy Tools: https://www.trea.ee/energy-tools-2026-10/

Renovation requires trust and cooperation

Siim Meeliste shared experiences from the Renowave project in Võru, which supports apartment building renovation through a one-stop-shop approach and cooperation between homeowners.

The project combines information, practical guidance and peer learning. Homeowners can exchange experiences, participate in meetings, access support and explore renovation options together. A renovation dashboard connected to the building register also helps make relevant information more accessible.

The project’s work has contributed to greater awareness of building energy performance: the number of energy performance certificates increased from 69 to 209. The experience illustrates that renovation is not only a technical challenge. Clear information, trusted guidance and cooperation are essential to help communities move from interest to action.

Sharing practical solutions for the energy transition

The second EnTRA Energy Transition Talk showed that improving building energy efficiency requires a combination of technical solutions, accessible digital tools and long-term support for building owners. While each building and community has different needs, practical advice and opportunities to learn from others can make renovation decisions easier and more achievable.

The discussion also reflected the wider aim of the EnTRA project: strengthening cooperation and knowledge-sharing to support the energy transition across the Baltic Sea Region. Through its Energy Transition Talks, Knowledge Community and Coffee Chats, EnTRA continues to connect stakeholders and share approaches that can be applied in practice.

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