Strengthening the one-stop shop Community in Italy

Key lessons from the Community platform meetings

EU Peers has brought together diverse stakeholders from across Italy, engaging them in discussions aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the one-stop shop (OSS) concept supporting home energy renovation. Four key meetings, organised by the Italian Community platform of EU Peers during the first half of 2024, provided invaluable insights into the challenges, successes, and future directions of the platform. These meetings, hosted by Regione Piemonte and ENEA (the National Energy Agency) highlighted both the potential and the complexities of establishing and sustaining OSSs across Italy.

Key Lessons Learned‍

1. Developing a common identity and mission

   A major takeaway from these platform meetings was the importance of fostering a strong, shared identity within the Italian Community. Participants emphasised the need for clearer definitions and common objectives that could guide future efforts. Establishing this cohesion is critical for ensuring that stakeholders—from municipalities to private enterprises—work collaboratively to enhance energy efficiency and tackle energy poverty.

2. Integration of financial and technical services

   Financial assessment was highlighted as one of the most sought-after services within OSS. However, a significant challenge is the need to boost collaboration between financial institutions and technical experts. While existing OSS in Italy provide valuable technical support, such as energy audits and renovation advice, participants called for increased efforts to integrate financial services in the portfolio provided by OSS, ensuring homeowners receive comprehensive, actionable guidance.

3. Sustainability beyond project lifecycles

   A recurrent theme across the meetings was the concern over the long-term sustainability of OSS, particularly after the conclusion of EU-funded projects. Stakeholders voiced the need for strategies that would allow OSS to thrive independently, through diversified funding, continuous training of staff, and institutional support. Several solutions were discussed, such as forming lasting networks between local administrations and private enterprises, sharing best practices, and ensuring access to updated tools and resources.

4. Tailoring the OSS to local contexts

   The flexibility of the OSS model was another key insight, with participants stressing that successful implementation requires adaptation to local contexts. Regions and municipalities vary widely in their resources and needs, and this diversity must be reflected in OSS services. The meetings underscored that a one-size-fits-all approach would not be effective; instead, OSS should be customised to meet the specific challenges and opportunities of each territory.

5. Diverse stakeholder involvement

   The platform meetings brought together a wide range of participants, including local energy agencies, municipalities, cooperatives, and research institutes. This diversity of perspectives proved essential for building a comprehensive understanding of how OSSs can be most effective. The need for stronger networking among stakeholders was repeatedly highlighted, emphasising collaboration at both regional and national levels.

6. Key areas for improvement

   Despite these strengths, there are areas where OSSs could improve. One of the most pressing needs is enhanced communication strategies aimed at engaging homeowners in energy efficiency efforts. Municipal staff also require further technical training to better support OSS activities, and efforts must be made to maintain momentum beyond the lifespan of individual projects.

7. Emerging solutions

   The meetings generated several potential solutions to the discussed actual challenges. Participants favoured the use of a document-sharing platform to facilitate information exchange and suggested that the Italian Community should explore successful business models from other EU member states. Additionally, lobbying for institutional support and recognition at higher governance levels was recommended to ensure the sustainability of OSSs.

Next Steps for the Italian EU Peers Community

As the EU Peers project continues to evolve, the next steps for the Italian Community will focus on strengthening cooperation among stakeholders and refining OSS models to better meet local needs. The meetings underscored the importance of building a robust national network that can support citizens in their efforts to reduce energy consumption and promote renewable energy use. Ongoing dialogue and shared resources will be key to ensuring the long-term success of these initiatives.

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For more information and contact: https://www.eu-peers.eu/italy