Energy efficiency, climate justice, and building renovation priorities in Romania

Building renovation has emerged as a central pillar of the European Union's climate and energy policy, yet its implementation often prioritises technical energy-efficiency gains over broader social considerations. This article argues that building renovation should be reframed as a climate-justice intervention, addressing not only emissions reduction but also social inequalities embedded in the built environment. Drawing on the concepts of distributive and recognition justice, the paper reviews the literature on renovation priorities and examines Romania's national strategies, legislative framework, and financial mechanisms for building renovation. The analysis highlights that, despite formal alignment with EU directives and the existence of strategic instruments such as the Long-Term Renovation Strategy, renovation efforts in Romania remain fragmented, grant-dependent, and insufficiently targeted toward vulnerable households and disadvantaged territories. Particular attention is given to the role of financial mechanisms, including Romania's experience with EU and international financial institution-supported programmes and lessons from international initiatives such as EBRD Sustainable Energy Financing Facilities. The findings indicate that financing design plays a decisive role in shaping both the scale and the equity of renovation outcomes. The article concludes that advancing a justice-oriented renovation agenda in Romania requires a shift toward differentiated, blended financing models, stronger involvement of financial intermediaries, integrated technical assistance, and explicit prioritisation of energy-poor households and structurally disadvantaged regions. Such an approach is essential for aligning renovation policy with long-term decarbonisation objectives while ensuring socially inclusive outcomes.