What works in renovating public buildings: One-Stop Shop models and services

Drawing on the experience of 21 initiatives across Europe, the FACILITA publication shows that the most effective support models are those that guide public authorities through the entire renovation process, from the first assessment of buildings to the monitoring of results after works are completed. Where this support is fragmented or stops at technical advice, projects are more likely to stall.

One clear outcome is the importance of having a single, trusted structure that coordinates expertise. Most successful initiatives are led by public or mixed public–private bodies, which helps municipalities navigate procurement rules, budgeting constraints and legal obligations with confidence. These structures reduce administrative burden, shorten decision-making, and lower the risk perceived by both public authorities and investors.

The report also demonstrates that progress depends on practical, step-by-step services rather than abstract strategies. Municipalities benefit most when support covers financing options, tendering, contractor coordination and quality control, not only energy studies. Projects that bundle several buildings or several municipalities consistently achieve better prices and stronger results.

Rather than promoting one fixed model, the publication highlights the value of adaptable solutions. The FACILITA pilots in Spain show that different regions require different approaches, yet all successful models share a common outcome: they help public authorities deliver deeper renovations, faster, and with measurable energy savings.