Outcomes of the Learning Lab

Session 1: Collaboration and Coordination Case Studies (20 October)

Main speakers: Verbouwstromen (NL), Energy and Sustainable Development Agency - AESS (IT)

Verbouwstromen – The Dutch Multi-Level OSS Model
Verbouwstromen is an independent, non-profit intermediary that links the national government, municipalities, homeowners, and the supply chain to scale up sustainable home retrofits across the Netherlands. Backed by the Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning, it anchors the multi-year, multi-level “Meerjarig Collectief Ontzorgen” (MCO) one-stop-shop programme, which supports municipalities in insulating 750,000 homes by 2030. Through MCO, local governments form regional alliances with market actors, pooling budgets, sharing ownership, and jointly innovating to simplify the homeowner journey and trigger multiple measures per home. The Utrecht region illustrates the power of this governance model: 18 municipalities collaborate to retrofit over 100,000 homes, turning each euro of public funding into seven euros of private investment. Together, these structures show how coordinated multi-level governance can turn scattered local projects into strategic, scalable renovation programmes with real climate impact.

AESS – Multi-City OSS for Renovation and renewable energy communities (Italy)
AESS presented a multi-city OSS approach linking local building renovation services with regional support systems for renewable energy communities (REC). The model envisions progressively scaling from city-level initiatives to a European network of interconnected OSS. The staged rollout (2021–2028) focuses on harmonising tools, capacities, and governance to support municipalities in shared service delivery.

Session 2: National Initiatives (22 October)

Main speakers: Environment Park (Italy), ADENE (Portugal)

RENOSS – National OSS Network for Renewable Energy Communities (Italy)
The RENOSS project launched coordinated regional and national OSS structures supporting REC development. By mid-2025, 22 OSS were active, offering standardised services such as feasibility assessments and legal/administrative guidance. This model illustrates strong multi-level governance: national ministries define objectives, regional agencies coordinate, and local agencies deliver support.

Rede Espaço Energia – Nationwide Energy Advice Network (Portugal)
ADENE presented Portugal’s plan to establish up to 300 local OSS (Energy Spaces) to provide energy advice and renovation support. The network is centrally coordinated for quality and training, while municipalities operate local branches. Common branding, digital platforms, and technician training programs ensure service coherence. Integrated into the Social Climate Plan, the network aims to strengthen social inclusion and reduce energy poverty.

Session 3: Reflection and Exchange (27 October)

The discussion emphasised that multilevel governance can accelerate the energy transition, but only when supported by clear regulatory frameworks, budget commitments across all levels, and collaboration with market actors. Participants noted that sharing knowledge is insufficient without formal agreements and shared implementation responsibilities. A sense of urgency, supported by legislation, was seen as key to enabling local action.

Conclusions from the Learning Lab

Multilevel governance is essential for scaling energy renovation and renewable community initiatives. Effective OSS models rely on structured collaboration, dedicated operational intermediaries, and clear division of responsibilities. Long-term impact requires stable financing, formal commitments, and capacity-building so that local authorities can translate policy into visible action in communities.

Contact: Silvio De Nigris, silvio.denigris@regione.piemonte.it

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