Smart Itz GoeS

Smart redevelopment scenarios for social housing

Objective

The project aim was to examine the feasibility of an energetically ambitious and socially sustainable redevelopment of the Goethesiedlung — an area in Salzburg’s Itzling District — while technical aspects, cost-effectiveness and social acceptance of the solutions were regarded as equally important. The energy focus was on low carbon heat supply and the integration of solar technology into the existing energy supply infrastructure.

Project description

While smart and energy-efficient solutions are slowly being implemented in new constructions, many tenants still have problems with accepting the redevelopment of existing buildings. Mostly probably, the greatest cause of concern is whether the renovation of districts and buildings will raise rental costs.

Social housing residents are less willing to pay higher rates, and are more fearful of rent increases than those living in self-financed housing. However, with relatively simple ownership structures and an already established subsidy system for residential buildings, the institutional framework presents conditions for social housing redevelopment that are generally favourable. Nonetheless, the potential for comprehensive, state-of-the-art renovation of social housing stock cannot be realised without achieving greater levels of acceptance.

Implementation strategies and financing models must therefore be developed to encourage support from residents and other relevant actors to help realise ambitious renovation concepts for social housing structures.

Main conclusions

• A model for the future development of social housing estates was developed, involving all relevant stakeholders.
• Several qualitatively and quantitatively defined scenarios for the future development of the Goethesiedlung were produced.
• Potentials and scenarios for energy optimisation were developed.

Funder

Klima- und Energiefonds