Tenders are invited for Study on Financing Mechanisms for EE and Thermal Retrofitting in Phnom Penh for CHILL Project Study on Financing Mechanisms for Energy-Efficient and Thermal Retrofitting of Lower-Middle Income Urban Households in Phnom Penh, Cambodia for Chill: Cooling Homes - Innovative & Low-Impact Living Project Study context Currently, Gere in Cambodia is implementing the Cooling Homes Innovative & Low-impact Living (CHILL) Project, which is deployed until March 2027. The project aims to foster energy efficiency and thermal comfort in housing within the hot climate of Phnom Penh, specifically targeting the districts of Khan Sen Sok, Khan Chbar Ampov, and Khan 7 Makara. The project operates across three complementary axes: Pilot interventions in 100 existing urban households to demonstrate the relevance of passive cooling (reflective roofing, insulation, shading, natural ventilation) and best practices to improve living conditions and well-being for vulnerable populations particularly exposed to heat. Progressive capacity building for building sector professionals, including 30 craftsmen from 15 SMEs, to enable the emergence of a local market for energy-efficient solutions and thermal retrofitting, and promote employability in this sector. Awareness raising for territorial actors (public authorities, associations, citizens) and the dissemination of validated solutions at scale, directly reaching 15,000individuals through energy demand management campaigns. This project takes place in a context of constant temperature increases due to climate change and unplanned urbanization, with serious consequences for urban populations. Heatwaves affect the health and well-being of residents, with 37% of households reporting dissatisfaction with indoor temperatures during the hot season and 64% suffering from sleep disturbances. Vulnerable groups, including households with older adults (45%), children under 3 (23%), and those with chronic illnesses (48%), are particularly at risk. While cooling represents 45% of total electricity consumption in Cambodia, many families rely on energy-intensive solutions that strain households budgets and the national grid. Faced with these challenges, Geres aims to identify available financing levers and resources that can be mobilized by vulnerable, lower-middle-income households to support thermal and energy efficient retrofitting of their homes to achieve enhanced thermal comfort. These Terms of References (ToR) specify the context and the scope of the expected services. 2. MISSION OF THE SERVICE PROVIDER 2.1. Objectives of the Assignment The objectives of this assignment are as follows: Identify and inventory the financing mechanisms currently mobilized by lower-middleincome populations for home renovation and improvement (broadly defined, not exclusively energy-related). This includes mapping financial products offered by institutional actors (Banks, Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), etc.) through a benchmark to understand: o The nature and cost of typical renovation works. The terms and conditions (eligibility criteria, interest rates, accessibility, and collateral requirement) of available financial tools. Survey households on their financial practices and perceptions regarding renovation: o Assess the amounts households can mobilize independently through savings (currently only 15% of households report that they have savings) or informal solidarity networks (family/relatives). o Evaluate their willingness to contract credit or micro-credit for home improvement, particularly when a cost-benefit analysis demonstrates direct future savings. Note that while initial willingness to borrow is low (14%), it increases to 58% if financial savings are demonstrated within 2-3 years. o Identify barriers such as high existing debt burden (38% of households surveyed under CHILL are already in debt) and the fear of being unable to afford repayments due to unstable income. Inventory and map existing financing mechanisms for SMEs. Recess and analyze existing credit facilities, working capital loans, or equipment financing available for small constructions businesses. The goal is to understand how these professionals can finance the purchase of specialized materials (insulation, reflective coatings) or technical tools required for energyefficient retrofitting. Proposed financing mechanisms tailored to the specific needs and capacities of the CHILL projects target households (lower-middle income earning between USD 1,026 and USD 4,035 per year). These proposals must account for the vulnerability of households, especially those with older adults, chronic illnesses or children under 3, and their potential lack of access to traditional bank loans. Proposals for SMEs/energy retrofit supply side measures Scope and Nature of Home Improvement Investments The financing mechanisms should cover the following types of thermal and energy-efficient retrofitting solutions identified as relevant for the Phnom Penh context: Passive cooling measures: Roof and ceiling insulation, reflective cool roof coatings, improved natural ventilation, and external shading devices. Equipment upgrades: Purchase of energy-efficient cooling equipment such as highperformance fans, ceiling fans, and energy-efficient air conditioners (replacing old units or optimizing settings). Structural protections: Installation of sun-shading roofs, curtains, or blinds to reduce solar heat gain through windows, roofing, facades and opening. The CHILL Pilot phase, which involves detailed technical measurements and the design of retrofitting packages for three pilot houses (flat houses, shophouses, link houses), will run in parallel. This phase will provide the consultant with precise data on retrofitting costs for typical urban Cambodian dwellings. These costing scenarios can be used as baseline for the design of appropriate financial mechanisms. Consultant Profile The consultant or consultancy firm must demonstrate: A deep understanding of the local and national financial landscape, particularly MFIs and banks capacity of designing green or thermal comfort financial products for lower-middleincome populations. Strong knowledge of the Cambodian construction and renovation market, including the specificities of high-density urban housing in Phnom Penh and a general understanding of the stakeholders involved in the housing/construction/retrofit value chain. An ability to align recommendations with Cambodias national Policy for Energy Efficiency (NEEP) and the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) goals. Tender Link : https://www.bongthom.com/job_list.html?category_id=55&order_by=start_date&order_dir=desc
