Representatives of homeowners’ associations, local and central public authorities, energy experts and development partners gathered in Chișinău on 25 September 2026 for the second edition of the Forum of Homeowners’ Associations in the Republic of Moldova, an event dedicated to accelerating the energy renovation of apartment buildings.

The Forum was organized by the National Centre for Sustainable Energy and the United Nations Development Programme in Moldova, in partnership with the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development and the Regional Development Agencies, with financial support from the Government of Denmark.

Buildings account for more than half of the Republic of Moldova’s total energy consumption, with the residential sector representing the largest share. Thermal insulation, heating system upgrades and the use of renewable energy can help reduce energy consumption and bills while making homes more comfortable. To undertake these investments, associations need access to financing, technical support and the capacity to manage renovation projects.

During the event, participants discussed the reorganization of homeowners’ associations into condominium owners’ associations, project preparation and residents’ involvement in decisions on improving the energy efficiency of their buildings. Financing opportunities for the energy renovation of apartment buildings were also presented, along with the steps required to access them.

Energy renovation starts with identifying a building’s needs and reaching a joint decision among property owners. Energy audits, technical design, securing financing and carrying out renovation works all require expertise and effective cooperation among residents, building administrators and the institutions involved. Representatives of condominium owners’ associations, local public authorities and energy communities shared practical experiences and good practices in navigating these stages, highlighting the challenges they had encountered.

Over the years, UNDP and its partners have supported a wide range of initiatives to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings across the Republic of Moldova.

With support from UNDP, the European Union and the Government of Denmark, energy audits were conducted for 50 apartment buildings in Bălți, Chișinău, Strășeni, Ceadîr-Lunga, Drochia, Orhei, Soroca and Florești.

To strengthen the capacities of homeowners’ associations, a training programme supported by the Government of Denmark was delivered in 2025, bringing together 502 representatives from 100 associations.

Also with support from UNDP and the Government of Denmark, the Chișinău Regional Development Agency printed the “Building Administrator’s Handbook”. The publication was distributed to residents of apartment buildings in Chișinău and Bălți to improve access to information on building management and energy efficiency practices.

In addition, UNDP, with funding from the Government of Denmark, launched a call to select 10 initiative groups that will receive support to establish condominium owners’ associations.

Support will also be provided for the establishment of an alliance of homeowners’ associations to give them a collective voice in dialogue with public authorities and service providers and to advocate for residents’ interests and needs.

In partnership with the Global Environment Facility and the European Union, UNDP helped modernize heating systems in ten apartment buildings in Chișinău and Bălți. As a result, more than 750 families now benefit from heating bills that are up to 30% lower and access to a centralized hot water supply.

UNDP also supported the Government of the Republic of Moldova in developing strategic documents that set the course for a green and sustainable transition, including the Sectoral Long-Term Strategy for the Renovation of the Buildings 2025-2050 and the Integrared National Energy and Climate Plan.