INFIRE Decision-making tool: Cost comparator and optimizer of financing models and schemes
The project INFIRE gathers partners with complementary skills that cooperate to establish a long-lasting support structure to build capacities of public authorities in the involved regions for developing, implementing, and monitoring holistic climate adaptation and carbon neutrality solutions and policy instruments. The project has produced this excel tool that helps users comparing the total cost of different financing models (loan, grant, bond..) and optimising key parameters such as rates, maturity and grant share. Targeted mainly at building-sector decarbonisation and adaptation projects, this tool supports municipalities and project developers in making clear and cost-effective financial decisions.
Project
INFIRE 
Mission
Green Living Areas
Production year
2024
Type of result
Tool
Target audience
Higher education and research organisation, Local public authority, National public authority, Regional public authority, Sectoral agency
Covered areas
Coastal area, Island, Marine area, Mountain area, Rural area, Urban area
Keywords
Climate change adaptation, Climate change mitigation, Renewable energy and energy transition, Green financing and sustainable investments, Nature-based solutions, Energy efficiency, Green technologies, Renewable energy
Partners
North-West Croatia Regional Energy and Climate Agency
Issues addressed
Municipalities and project developers often struggle to select the most suitable financing mechanism for adaptation or decarbonisation projects. This tool responds by providing a structured cost comparator and optimization mechanism to evaluate multiple financing schemes, ensuring long-term affordability and financial sustainability in line with EU CBA methodology (2021u20132027).
Added value of the result
This tool helps to find innovative financing options as it toes beyond traditional calculators by comparing multiple financing instruments under harmonised assumptions. It integrates a scenario-based optimizer to test parameters (interest rate, maturity, grant level) and minimize total costs. It also supports decision-makers in balancing financial feasibility and sustainability for carbon-neutral and climate-adaptive building projects.
Transferability potential
The transferability potential is high. This Excel tool can be adapted to any MED context by adjusting financial parameters (discount rate, tax, interest, inflation). Usability for non-financial users can be enhanced through a quick user guide and an example case. Basic financial literacy and reliable input data are needed for effective implementation.
Contribution to SDGs
SDG 11 - Sustainable cities and communities, SDG 13 - Climate action, SDG 17 - Partnerships for the goals, SDG 7 - Affordable and clean energy
Contribution to the Strategies and EU Policies
Energy Efficiency Directive, EU Adaptation Strategy
