One-stop-shops as a model to manage housing energy retrofit. A General Approach to Europe and Spain

Abstract

Energy renovation of buildings in the European Union would lead to important energy savings and a 26% reduction in consumption. But, despite these relevant benefits and the programs implemented to promote energy retrofit, in Europe and Spain, the housing renovation rate is low. The barriers faced by contractors, homes, and finance companies are impassable. So, in the international arena, and promoted by European directives, have appeared One-Stop-Shops (OSS), as integrated management entities to promote the energy renovation of dwellings, which seems a central element in the development of future strategies. This paper analyses the implemented experiences of OSSs in Europe, trying to identify the main elements, and proposes lines of action to strengthen OSS operation in the long term. To do it, documents, regulations, and data on the context were studied. Also explores the Spanish pioneering experiences through in-depth interviews. The results suggested that a lack of structural funding is one reason why activities were finished and that the most successful cases applied an ‘all inclusive’ model and supported families in the entire process. It is highlighted the relevant role played by European projects as a source of funding and specialist knowledge; as well as the pending solution barriers.