The 5th edition is taking place on June 4-6, 2025 in Dublin, during the International Social Housing Festival. Social and affordable housing goes beyond just providing a ‘roof over their head’, it should promote social inclusion. This involves engaging tenants in decisions, ensuring proximity to services and jobs, offering information and training, and ensuring long-term affordability and security. The purpose of the European Responsible Housing Awards is to gather inspiring examples of good practices so that everyone is encouraged to follow the lead and contribute to the sector.

The European Responsible Housing Initiative (ERHIN) has been a project implemented by DELPHIS, Housing Europe and the International Union of Tenants, co-funded by the European Commission (DG Enterprise). The project was carried out between April 2013 and October 2014, with a view to lead the way towards better embedding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the public, cooperative, and social housing sector, through awareness-raising, transfer of knowledge and tools and stakeholder dialogue at European level.

If you would like to have an idea of the types of projects and initiatives that have been awarded in previous editions, please have a look at our European Responsible Housing Awards Handbooks from 2014, 2016, 2019, 2022 and videos about the winners.

- Who can participate in the Awards?

The applications are open to the social and affordable housing sector and to the hybrid sector (public + private), but they are NOT open to the private for-profit sector. Municipalities, if housing providers, are also welcome to apply.

- Which languages are accepted for the application?

Only English is accepted. Applications submitted in another language will not be evaluated.

- What is the deadline for submissions?

The deadline for submissions is January, 19^th 2025.

- What are the evaluation criteria of the applications?

The Jury is paying particular attention to the following aspects:

• Stakeholder dialogue and Partnerships: How were stakeholders involved in the design and implementation of the housing project?
• Awareness-raising and leadership: To what extent does it contribute to raise awareness on CSR, responsible housing and sustainable development?
• Transparency and accountability: To what extent is the organisation transparent/accountable on its commitments, actions and results relating to the proposed good practice?
• Operational implementation: Were some specific tools developed/used? How replicable are they?
• Assessment of the shared value created: To what extent/how was the impact assessed?
• To what extent is the project innovative? The Jury will assess the novelty of the project and to what extent does it use new approaches and/or technology to meet housing needs.

- What are the categories of the Awards?

The Categories of the Awards will be based on the Code of Conduct and will thus be:

1- Management excellence for housing affordability

• Invest sustainably by balancing service quality, costs, and affordability to keep housing costs low for tenants.
• Collaborate with residents to introduce energy-saving improvements that reduce bills and increase comfort.
• Focus on long-term affordable housing to stabilize markets and limit real estate speculation.
• Support local economic growth, job creation, and innovation through responsible partnerships and procurement practices.

2- Agents of just green transition, leaders of innovation

• Minimize the environmental impact of housing through sustainable construction and retrofitting, while staying within budget.
• Work with residents to reduce energy consumption, tackle energy poverty, prevent pollution, and use natural resources responsibly.
• Incorporate green infrastructure and shared green spaces in housing areas and partner with other organizations to create eco-friendly neighbourhoods.

3- Building strategic alliances, fostering community participation

• Ensure clear communication and transparency in decision-making, expenses, and services.
• Work with local authorities to provide accessible information on housing options and ensure a transparent allocation process.
• Promote strong partnerships with clear roles, mutual commitments, and active stakeholder engagement.
• Encourage structured tenant/resident participation by providing the necessary knowledge and information.
• Maintain accountability to stakeholders, offering opportunities for feedback and joint evaluation of activities and their impact.

4- Empowering the team, fairness, and diversity at work

• Promote workplace diversity and gender equality.
• Provide equal opportunities and fair working conditions for everyone, free from discrimination.
• Support career growth through mentoring, training, and learning opportunities.
• Ensure a safe and healthy work environment with a strong focus on work-life balance.

5- “More than a roof” – supporting communities of equal opportunities

• Ensure that decent, affordable housing is available now and in the future.
• Keep homes well-maintained with necessary repairs and improvements, involving residents in decision-making.
• Provide secure tenancy agreements and help residents access support to stay in their homes.
• Meet the diverse needs of all households, including the most vulnerable, and prevent discrimination.
• Collaborate with local authorities and others to ensure fair access to housing and services, promoting social diversity.
• Work together locally to strengthen community bonds and fight social and spatial segregation.

6- Going the extra mile for safe and sound living

• Promote safe neighbourhoods for all.
• Work on architecture adapted for all residents and tenants.
• Showcase good practices in improving the community feeling.
• Develop projects that aim at fostering cohesion and safety.

- Who to contact in case of further questions?

Please send an email to hello@responsiblehousing.eu. We will be happy to answer you.

- How is the Jury composed?

The Awards Jury is composed of members of the European Responsible Housing Stakeholder Forum set up in the framework of the ERHIN Project as well as experts in CSR from other sectors. For more information.

- When will the European Responsible Housing Awards be celebrated?

The final ceremony of the European Responsible Housing Awards will take place during the International Social Housing Festival (June 2025).