One-stop-shops and energy rehabilitation offices. Management to boost energy retrofit in Spanish residential buildings stock

Abstract

The EU's building energy renovation could reduce energy consumption by 26%. Despite European efforts and programs to boost this in residential sectors, hurdles faced by households, contractors, and financial firms have slowed progresses. One-Stop-Shops (OSS), promoted by European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), as entities to boost homes energy renovation appears as a central element in the way of future strategies. EPBD's recent update mandates Member States to ensure owners visit OSS when a C class EPC is issued. Spanish Royal Decree 853/2021 regulates Rehabilitation Offices (OR) as OSS, suggesting a mixed system for comprehensive care. This study aims to analyse Spanish OSS and two Catalan Technical Rehabilitation Offices (OTR) to define future strategies. A qualitative analysis of four Spanish OSS and two Catalan OTR is carried out, through in-depth interviews with OSS promoters and OTR technicians. Key findings show that traditional OSS continue their role providing information to families, while OTR focus on processing rehabilitation files. Those interviewed consider that there is no coordinated activity between both types of entities. Although the current regulatory framework allows it, a defined structural budget is needed for future complementary work.

Postprint (author's final draft)