Consultancy-Carbon Footprint Methodology and EU Taxonomy KPI Expert

1.Introduction and background of the Project
The “Empty Spaces to Homes (ESTHer)” project aims to address affordable housing challenges and revolutionise the circular construction industry by repurposing empty buildings and spaces with a focus on reducing carbon emissions. This initiative seeks to develop an innovative and holistic approach to providing sustainable housing solutions, including the development of new financial models to support the transition to carbon-neutral housing. Key outcomes include reducing housing exclusion and inequalities by utilising existing structures to offer affordable housing for vulnerable populations and young adults and promoting energy efficiency and the reduction of embodied carbon in construction. Drawing on successful examples from the UK and Poland, the project emphasizes the importance of enabling environments for repurposing empty spaces. Policymakers are encouraged to support these efforts through innovative construction practices, increased social housing supply, and environmentally sustainable financing options. Preliminary research indicates that 8-12% of the housing stock in the project targeted countries (Hungary, Croatia, the UK, and Poland) is empty, with a significant portion owned by local governments. In Poland, over 60% of empty spaces are under municipal control, presenting a substantial opportunity for impact in public properties. The ESTHer project sees the greatest potential for developing affordable, sustainable housing within these municipal and state-owned properties.
2. Project Objectives
The proposed intervention aims to unlock an innovative circular and holistic approach to providing affordable housing solutions. Formulating a comprehensive approach to creating new and/or improved financial models to support the transition to carbon-neutral housing will also be part of the programme. The planned outcomes are:

• Help tackle housing exclusion and reduce the risk of aggravating inequalities by providing more sustainable affordable housing solutions for vulnerable populations and young adults through utilisation/circularity of already existing housing structures and other suitable building spaces;
• Improve the housing sector industry by scaling our pioneering approach to enabling environment of affordable housing solutions which is supported through policy intervention and cross-collaboration of key stakeholders;
• Support the creation of new and/or improved financial models to reinforce transition to carbon-neutral housing and promote energy efficiency and reusing embodied carbon approach in construction that increase equity and inclusion.
• Build an alternative narrative around the need and potential for delivering affordable housing in a way which does not rely on a % of new private housing since we do not have the carbon budget to continue to construct new housing in Europe. Turn ‘space sufficiency’ into a positive narrative based on ‘transformation,’ ‘adaptation’ and ‘value creation’ to advocate for policy which mandates sufficiency from the European institutions and Poland and GB.

The objective of the Assignment is to develop a comprehensive methodology for assessing and mitigating life cycle CO2e emissions throughout the entire renovation process of repurposed buildings that are part of the ESTHer project activities. Recognising the significant contribution of the building sector to global CO2e emissions, this project aims to integrate carbon footprint measurements into its framework. This involves evaluating emissions associated with material sourcing, transportation, reconstruction, and energy use within these repurposed spaces, with the objective of minimising the overall carbon footprint. The methodology must ensure that the project aligns with the Paris Agreement, particularly by striving for zero carbon emissions in new buildings and achieving retrofitting rates of existing buildings between 2.5-3.5% per year. The project should also comply with the EU Taxonomy objectives related to renovation of existing buildings. The expert will provide the necessary expertise to set up the required methodology, tools, and identify the personnel matrix essential for conducting accurate Project-related life-cycle carbon footprint assessment. This effort will support the project’s commitment to sustainable and carbon-neutral construction practices.


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Submission process:

The Organization invites proposals from consultants with the experience and skills described above. Please send the following to Zuzana Matlonova, project manager, at [email protected] and Laura Palencikova, project assistant, at [email protected] by October 10th, 2024.

Proposal contents:
a. For companies - Background/Administrative information including the name of applicant, correspondence address, telephone number and e-mail address, list of the proposed consultants with detailed CVs for the consulting companies
For individual consultants - a Cover letter and CV.
b. At least 3 references of professional experience in conducting similar services in the sector and professional experience.
c. Technical proposal with description of the consultant’s approach and methodology, tools to be used, and tentative work plan.
d. Financial proposal.

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