On 9 October 2025, the first forum of homeowners’ associations in the Republic of Moldova took place, bringing together over 170 participants, including representatives of homeowners’ associations, public authorities, and national and international experts. The event served as a platform to identify common solutions aimed at transforming the residential sector into one that is more energy-efficient and sustainable.

The forum was organized by the National Center for Sustainable Energy (CNED), in partnership with UNDP Moldova and with the financial support of the Government of Denmark.

At the event the process of reorganizing tenants’ associations into homeowners’ associations in condominiums was explained. Participants discussed financing opportunities, particularly for energy efficiency measures and the catalytic role of partnerships between public authorities, the private sector and local communities.

Experts from Denmark, Ukraine, and the Republic of Moldova shared best practices on how to engage residents in energy renovation projects.

Currently, there are over 5,000 tenants’ associations registered in the Republic of Moldova. However, only a part of them has the legal status required to access financial support programs for residential energy renovation. Representatives of tenants’ associations present at the forum emphasized the need for ongoing information and guidance on accessing energy efficiency funds.

To address this need, UNDP, together with CNED and Green City Lab, with the support of the Government of Denmark, is implementing a free training programme in five cities across the country: Chișinău, Bălți, Cahul, Ungheni, and Ialoveni. Through this programme, tenants’ associations develop the necessary skills to plan, manage, and implement energy efficiency projects. Participants learn how to organize general assemblies, make transparent decisions, and manage budgets and repair funds. They also receive guidance on how to access financing programs and are provided with practical examples of energy renovation projects.

Over the years, UNDP and its partners have supported a wide range of initiatives promoting energy efficiency in residential buildings across the Republic of Moldova. Together with the European Union, UNDP has contributed to the piloting and institutionalization of programmes such as Green Home, the Residential Energy Efficiency Fund, and Eco Voucher. Through the pilot programme “Rabla for household appliances", the EU and UNDP facilitated access to energy-efficient light bulbs and household appliances by distributing 39,000 vouchers.

With the support of UNDP and the EU, energy audits were conducted for 25 residential buildings in Bălți, Chișinău, Strășeni, and Ceadîr-Lunga. Soon, UNDP will launch a new call for proposals, funded by Denmark, to select 25 additional buildings that will receive support for conducting energy audits - an important step toward preparing energy renovation works.

In partnership with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the European Union, UNDP has also supported the modernization of heating systems in ten residential buildings in Chișinău and Bălți. As a result, over 750 families now pay up to 30% less for heating and have access to centralized hot water.

Furthermore, UNDP has supported the Government of the Republic of Moldova in developing key strategic policy documents that define the path toward a green and sustainable transition, including the Sectoral Long-Term Strategy for the Renovation of the Buildings 2025-2050 and the National Energy and Climate Plan.