Five major Polish cities face a common challenge: ageing infrastructure, persistent social inequalities, and an urgent need to modernise building stock. NEEST united them around residential retrofitting as the cornerstone of energy transition—designed not only to improve energy performance but to reduce energy poverty, enhance living conditions, and empower communities.

The programme also innovated in governance, experimenting with cross-sectoral coordination, multi-level financing, and deep civic engagement. Cities involved: KRAKÓW, ŁÓDZ, RZESZÓW, WARSAW & WROCŁAW