DEKOOP

DEKOOP addresses the decarbonization of existing neighborhoods with diverse ownership structures, one of the greatest challenges of the heat transition. In the test neighborhood in Vienna, single-owner properties coexist with rental apartments, homeowners’ associations, and commercial uses. This diversity complicates joint investment and decision-making processes, even though there is significant potential for energy cooperation. The neighborhood is located in the “Local Heat Together” area of the Vienna Heating Plan 2040 and is therefore particularly relevant for sustainable supply solutions. Existing approaches are often focused on individual buildings and do not sufficiently account for the complex legal, organizational, and communicative requirements of a cooperative neighborhood approach.

Objective of the DEKOOP project

The goal of the DEKOOP project is to develop a comprehensive, cross-property strategy for emission-free heating and cooling supply in an urban micro-neighborhood in Vienna. The innovation lies in the integration of several adjacent properties with different ownership and usage structures into a modular supply concept that can be implemented in phases. The solutions must be technically sound, economically viable, legally feasible, and communicable to stakeholders. A key sub-goal is the development of a “non-consensual technical solution” that can be adopted by a simple majority. In the long term, the aim is to create a transferable blueprint for climate-neutral existing neighborhoods that accelerates the decarbonization of urban areas.

Approach and methodology of the DEKOOP project

DEKOOP is developing an integrated strategy for an urban micro-neighborhood with seven adjacent properties. The starting point is an analysis of the different needs, resources, and spatial potential of the buildings involved. Building on this, feasibility studies are being conducted for a communal, emission-free heating and cooling supply. The project combines technical, economic, legal, and communicative perspectives and develops modular solutions that can be implemented in phases. In addition, a resolution draft is being prepared as a basis for decision-making by homeowners’ associations, along with a timeline for phased decarbonization and an operational concept involving a neutral operating company. Finally, a roadmap for a subsequent demonstration project is being developed.

Expected results of the DEKOOP project

As a result, DEKOOP delivers a well-founded strategy for the cooperative, zero-emission energy supply of an existing urban neighborhood. This includes feasibility studies for a multi-property heating and cooling system, a resolution proposal for the homeowners’ association, a timeline for phased decarbonization, and an operational concept featuring a neutral operating company. Of particular relevance is the development of modular solutions that can be implemented even without full consensus and still enable energy exchange between properties. This results in a transferable blueprint for climate-neutral existing neighborhoods. This model demonstrates how heterogeneous ownership structures can be integrated into cooperative and practical supply solutions.

Benefits and impact of the DEKOOP project

DEKOOP delivers tangible benefits for the heating transition by developing practical solutions for the decarbonization of complex existing urban neighborhoods. From an environmental perspective, the project contributes to emission-free heating and cooling and thus to the achievement of national and European climate neutrality goals. Economically, it opens up viable models for cooperative investments and can create immediate added value by increasing the value of individual properties and apartments. Socially, the project strengthens cooperative decision-making processes and facilitates implementation even in heterogeneous ownership structures. The approach developed is transferable to other neighborhoods and can serve as a model for further demonstration projects and regional implementation strategies.

This project is funded by the “Leuchttürme der Wärmewende (Flagship Projects for the Heating Transition)” program and is being carried out as part of the Alliance for Green Heating and Cooling innovation Lab.