Enkela Poro

Abstract

The global imperative to transition to sustainable, carbon-free systems has a significant impact on urban areas, especially the residential sector. Through a case study of Tirana (Albania), this paper aims to investigate how a just green transition can be achieved at the neighbourhood level and what impacts can be expected in a prefabricated, multi-household residential area. Employing an ex-ante sce nario-based approach, the research highlights and compares four alternative pathways for the future de velopment of the housing stock by 2040, ranging from minimal upgrades (enhanced energy performance) to integrated greening (enhanced environmental performance with renewables and nature-based solu t ions) and full redevelopment. Utilising both qualitative and quantitative methods, including surveys, in site measurements, co-design processes with local stakeholders, and GIS-based environmental mapping, the study evaluates the costs, benefits, and co-benefits of implementing a just green transition in a chal lenging urban context, with a focus on neighbourhood communities. Findings from this research provide valuable evidence to inform the drafting of long-term renovation strategies at the local level in Western Balkan countries, in line with recommendations from the Green Agenda in the Western Balkans.

Keywords: just green transition, green infrastructure, cost-benefit analysis, ENVI-met microclimate modelling, urban retrofit, Western Balkans

Kejt Dhrami [kejt_dhrami@co-plan.org], Co-PLAN Institute for Habitat Development
Merita Toska [merita_toska@universitetipolis.edu.al], Co-PLAN Institute for Habitat Development
Enkela Poro [enkela_poro@co-plan.org], Co-PLAN Institute for Habitat Development
Fiona Imami [fiona_imami@universitetipolis.edu.al], POLIS University Bylis 12 Str., Tirana: Albania

Citation

APA: Dhrami, K., Toska, M., Poro, E., & Imami, F. (2025). Preparing for just green transition – a scenario-based assessment in a prefabricated housing district in Tirana, Albania. Europa XXI, 49, 11. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2025.49.11
MLA: Dhrami, Kejt, et al. "Preparing for just green transition – a scenario-based assessment in a prefabricated housing district in Tirana, Albania". Europa XXI, vol. 49, 2025, pp. 11. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2025.49.11
Chicago: Dhrami, Kejt, Toska, Merita, Poro, Enkela, and Imami, Fiona. "Preparing for just green transition – a scenario-based assessment in a prefabricated housing district in Tirana, Albania". Europa XXI 49 (2025): 11. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2025.49.11
Harvard: Dhrami, K., Toska, M., Poro, E., & Imami, F. 2025. "Preparing for just green transition – a scenario-based assessment in a prefabricated housing district in Tirana, Albania". Europa XXI, vol. 49, pp. 11. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2025.49.11