ManagEnergy Master Class #7: How One-Stop Shops Are Transforming Building Renovation

Between January and February 2025, the latest ManagEnergy Master Class took place across three sessions: an online introduction, an in-person gathering in Brussels with 28 participants from 14 EU countries, and a concluding online session. The class explored the practicalities of designing, developing, and operating One-Stop Shops (OSS) for residential retrofit through expert presentations, interactive discussions, and hands-on exercises.

“There is no longer a discussion on why we should do an OSSS. Now the question is how to implement it.”

Christophe Milin, CINEA

Highlights from the Master Class

The class combined expert insights with interactive exercises to equip participants with practical knowledge on OSS implementation. Participants explored key topics such as financial models, market analysis, operational strategies, and stakeholder engagement.

The training, led by ManagEnergy Coordinator and Expert Seamus Hoyne, featured several external speakers and guests who shared valuable case studies and policy insights:

• EU PEERS - European Community of One-Stop-Shops for Home Energy Renovation by Marta Lupattelli, FEDARENE
• EU Policy overview and overview of paper "Towards large-scale roll out of “integrated home renovation services” by Christophe Milin, CINEA
• Renopont - the first One-Stop Shop in Hungary by Ilona Illésné-Szécsi, Hungarian Energy Efficiency Institute
• WHILARENO - OSS Innovation in the Netherlands by Sam de Guchteneire, Winst uit je woning / Home Profit
• Opengela – Large Scale Building Renovation & Urban Regeneration in the Basque Country by Jose Ramón López, EVE
• Electric Ireland Superhomes - Scaling Up Delivery by Stephen O'Connor, Electric Ireland SuperHomes 
• SERAFIN – Third Party Financing network - Françoise Réfabert, Serafin
• Renov'Occitanie -  the regional public service for private buildings renovation in Occitanie by Raphaelle Viénot, AREC Occitanie

"Our biggest competitor is not other OSS. It’s single measures."

Stephen O'Connor, Electric Ireland SuperHomes Managing Director

In addition to these presentations, the class emphasised hands-on learning through practical workshops and interactive exercises. Participants worked on real-life scenarios, tackling common challenges such as financial planning, service development, and overcoming policy barriers. These exercises allowed them to refine their strategies for establishing and scaling OSS initiatives.

Key Takeaways and Future Outlook

Throughout the class, several essential themes emerged:

• Strategic communication is crucial: Successful OSS initiatives require strong public engagement strategies to inform and persuade homeowners.
• Legal and political considerations matter: Transitioning to an OSS model involves navigating regulatory frameworks and institutional changes.
• Financial sustainability remains a priority: A mix of funding sources—including public-private partnerships, government grants, and innovative financing mechanisms—is essential for long-term success.

The ManagEnergy Master Class reaffirmed the vital role of OSS in accelerating the energy transition at the local and regional levels. With the next edition planned for late 2025, ManagEnergy continues to support cities, regions and their energy agencies in scaling up sustainable renovation solutions across Europe.

Interested in joining our next Classes? Check out the schedule here