EU Peers Capacity Building Webinar: Strengthening OSS & IHRS to Tackle Energy Poverty

The South East Energy Agency (SEEA) recently welcomed a diverse group of stakeholders to its latest EU Peers Capacity Building Webinar, an interactive session that explored the transformative potential of Integrated Home Renovation Services (IHRS) and One-Stop-Shops (OSS) in tackling energy poverty across Europe. Part of the EU Peers initiative, funded by the LIFE Programme, the webinar highlighted how collaborative efforts can strengthen, upscale, and harmonise home renovation support services across the EU.

The virtual room was filled with energy and expertise, bringing together service providers, homeowner associations, energy auditors, architects, NGOs, public authorities, and financial institutions each with a shared mission: making home renovation more efficient, accessible, and inclusive.

Shining a Light on Energy Poverty

At the heart of the session was a focus on vulnerable households and the urgent need for integrated renovation services. Participants explored how IHRS and OSS can simplify renovation journeys, providing guidance and support to those most in need. The session offered insights into:

• The purpose and benefits of the EU Peers project
• How IHRS and OSS can streamline home renovation processes
• The role these models play in mitigating energy poverty
• Opportunities to join the EU Peers Community of Practice (CoP)
• Examples of different IHRS and OSS structures across Europe

Expertise from Across Ireland

The webinar featured a lineup of knowledgeable speakers sharing real-world examples, practical learnings, and strategic insights:

• Edima Obaloluwa (SEEA) – Facilitator
• Stacey Phelan (SEEA) – OSS, IHRS & Energy Poverty
• Mel Gavin (Atlantic Technological University) – Models and typologies of OSS & IHRS
• Fábio Silva & Dr. Padraig Lyons (International Energy Research Centre) – Benefits of OSS/IHRS in scaling energy poverty solutions

Their presentations not only offered deep dives into theory but also highlighted actionable strategies for organisations striving to make renovation pathways more accessible and effective.

A Dynamic Agenda

Over the course of one hour, participants engaged in a structured program including:

• Welcome & EU Peers Introduction
• OSS & IHRS and Energy Poverty (SEEA)
• Types of OSS (ATU)
• Energy Poverty & Mitigation Approaches (IERC)
• Q&A and closing discussion

This session exemplifies the mission of EU Peers: to increase visibility, foster collaboration, and strengthen frameworks for energy-efficient renovation throughout Europe.

Watch the Webinar Recording

Missed the live session? The full recording is available here:
Watch the webinar

We encourage you to watch, share with your networks, and join the growing Community of Practice working to make home renovation more accessible for all.

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