Movement Hub
Impact Sector
Green Infrastructure
Type of Strategy
Empower
Project Location
Europe
In a nutshell
Buildings account for around 35 percent of total energy consumption in Germany and upgrading apartment blocks’ energy efficiency can have a significant climate impact. But current policy only works for those who can afford to make the change: its price tag is unrealistic for low-income earners. This project works with low-income tenants to bring mega-apartment blocks into the 21st century, by lobbying for rent-neutral modernisation and energy efficiency on a large scale. It will also help Germany to meet its goal for largely carbon-neutral buildings by 2050.
Climate Problem
Energy usage in our homes makes up a significant portion of national fossil fuel and energy use. Through improving buildings’ energy efficiency, Germany could reduce the amount of energy required nationally by 40 percent in 2030 – but only if roadblocks are removed.
The problem is that, under current policy, these changes increase the cost of rent for those who can least afford it. This is climate policy that works for some and not for others. As a result, there is widespread voter opposition to an otherwise impactful and achievable climate solution. Leaving this issue unaddressed will slow down or prevent energy efficiency modernisations that are crucial for addressing the climate crisis.
What could be great climate policy is actually making life more difficult for tenants in low-income apartment blocks and produces heated public opposition to climate action. 85 percent of Berlin residents are renting, and some of the strongest opponents of building modernisation are Tenant Associations. Amidst a cost-of-living crisis, it’s understandable that tenants will question measures increasing their rent. It is necessary to press for rent-neutral modernisations that include everyone.
Project Solution
We can trailblaze a path for Berlin’s low-income housing to become energy efficient, through rent-neutral modernisation. This project will generate a significant network of organised low-income tenants, to lobby for their buildings’ climate-friendly upgrades without financial penalty. Starting in Berlin, it wants to turn opponents of climate action into supporters and provides a model that can be replicated in other parts of Germany.
The project is run in partnership with legal and policy experts at the Berlin Tenants Association, and tenants’ rights experts at Starthilfe AG. Our project partners share their expertise to help break down barriers between tenant and climate movements.
The Movement Hub will generate support for a practical energy modernisation plan covering 50 large building complexes, including more than 500 apartments. This requires five paid organisers to make the dialogue between stakeholders possible, including through town hall meetings. They will also train up key leaders to work with their communities and push the movement forward.
"In Berlin, tenants fight against energy efficiency modernisations mainly because they can’t cover the extra costs. We are showing alternative paths and build bridges for strong climate action, one conversation at a time."
- Operational since 2020
- Team of 15 employees
- Headquarters in Berlin, Germany
About the organisation
The Movement Hub supports initiatives that educate and engage the public about ways to address the causes and effects of the climate crisis. They work closely with grassroots movements, and believe in collaborating with the groups who are critical for building widespread democratic support for climate policy. This includes tenants, migrants, most impacted communities, public transport workers and care workers.
How your donation helps
This project is up and running, and it’s already proving successful: More than 2000 tenants have been organised in community meetings, addressing more than 100 apartment complexes in Berlin. We now require hiring three more employees to hold more real-world events and achieve rent-neutral upgrades of large apartment complexes in Berlin.
All tenants will be encouraged to participate, and their concerns will be heard. Additionally, the project will train leaders to speak to their neighbours and expand the program. With support, the project can reach more people, improve more buildings, and share the lessons learned in Berlin with cities across Europe.
Energy efficiency modernisation for low-income residential housing in Berlin is achieved without rent increases (and without the associated displacement of tenants).
Around 5000 tenants in Berlin have access to democratic forums where they can be involved in decisions about their buildings. 500 tenants will actively engage in organising their neighbours and in campaign tasks.
200 building tenant meetings take place during the project, and a tenant organising model is created, documented and shared for the benefit of other regions.
Why we chose the project
"In just a few years since its foundation, Movement Hub has already made great strides. They raised an impressive amount of funding and have achieved their initial objectives. This project can turn Berlin into a leading example for how energy efficient housing can become a reality across capitals in Europe."
Dr. Felicitas von Peter
Founder and Managing Partner, Active Philanthropy
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Seed
KEY SUPPORTER
Grow
PROJECT PATRON
Flourish
CLIMATE CHAMPION
Receive bi-annual reports on how your funded project is progressing
Meet the people behind the project, ask your questions, and build connection (online)
Book an exchange with our Active team to discuss latest trends in climate funding (online)
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Movement Hub
Active Philanthropy
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