Only 25% of the European building stock has been renovated, and the annual renovation rate stands at around 1%, well below expectations. Mechanisms and initiatives are needed to accelerate a process that must not leave part of the population behind.
Energy renovation is a major challenge. The European Union has been actively promoting the concept of one-stop shops (OSS) to streamline and enhance the building renovation process. These one-stop shops act as centres offering integrated solutions for renovation and simplifying the process for citizens by providing technical, financial, administrative, legal, or community advisory services.
The goal is to overcome the most common barriers in building renovation processes and start increasing the current 1% rate. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), approved in December 2023, states that by 2026, member states must promote the implementation of at least one of these one-stop shops for every 80,000 inhabitants. At the same time, the directive recognises the potential of this instrument to address energy vulnerability. Specifically, Article 9 of the EPBD requires member states to provide technical assistance, for example, through these one-stop shops, with particular attention to vulnerability.
Encouraging real implementation
The GiDOMUS project is working towards this goal: to define one-stop shop services that leave no one behind and promote energy renovation at the residential level in both rural and urban areas. This involves adapting and designing services, circuits, and procedures in each office or one-stop shop to enhance accessibility, providing information and services so that vulnerable users are aware of and can benefit from the available resources.
The aim of these OSS is to provide reliable and transparent services that build trust among people who may be hesitant to embark on renovation processes due to fear, lack of knowledge, or misinformation. Promoting energy renovations helps improve housing conditions, reduce energy costs, and combat current levels of energy poverty.