Findings on One-Stop Shops in Europe: Insights from the EU Peers Community

10 main takeaways from the first EU Peers survey

For the survey, answers were received and data collected from 57 OSS and 19 organisations from the EU Peers Community supporting OSS.

• 2 of 3 OSS were launched after 2020. Driven by EU policy momentum, climate goals and local experimentation, most surveyed OSS were created within the past four years. 
• Level of operation: Nearly 50% of the respondents operate at regional level, providing services across broad territories that often encompass multiple municipalities.
• Public administrations are involved in more than 75% of surveyed OSS, showing their great involvement in the setting-up and running of OSS. In most not-for-profit organisations, public authorities  are involved in a way or another.

• Sources of income: On average, surveyed OSS rely between 2 to 3 sources of income. Almost half of the OSS rely primarily on EU funds as the main source. Local subsidies
• Scope: OSS operating at regional level tend to pursue more ambitious renovation goals suggesting that there might not be enough demand at a smaller scale for deep renovations. 
• Fees: 60% of the surveyed OSS reported to provide their services for free, 28% charge homeowners a fee covering part of the costs and 12% charge a full cost of their services to homeowners. ‍
• Pricing models used by OSS follow three main strategies: (1) fixed rates used for predictable costs like audits, legal consultations, (2) variable pricing (per square meter, per hour or per flat) and (3) percentage-based pricing depending on the total renovation cost often used for comprehensive project management services.‍
• Prices for energy audits range around 480-500€. In case of full renovation support (audit, project design, financial plan and/or solutions, managing contracts, overseeing works, monitoring) , the total costs vary from 2,700€ to 10,000€. OSS budget: Public money represents around 75% of the public-led OSS’ budget, while it represents half of the private OSS’ budget.
• Sources of income: On average, surveyed OSS rely between 2 to 3 sources of income. Almost half of the OSS rely primarily on EU funds as the main source. Local subsidies (18,4%) and fees charged to customers (12.2%) are respectively the second and third primary source of income.
• Conversion rate: results are available for a sample of 12 OSS. On average, 16% of homeowners who receive initial advice proceed to renovation works. The most successful are private companies or non-for-profit organisations operating on a fee-based basis.
• OSS budget: Public money represents around 75% of the public-led OSS’ budget, while it represents half of the private OSS’ budget.
• Sources of income: On average, surveyed OSS rely between 2 to 3 sources of income. Almost half of the OSS rely primarily on EU funds as the main source. Local subsidies (18,4%) and fees charged to customers (12.2%) are respectively the second and third primary source of income.
• Conversion rate: results are available for a sample of 12 OSS. On average, 16% of homeowners who receive initial advice proceed to renovation works. The most successful are private companies or non-for-profit organisations operating on a fee-based basis.

OSS show strong potential but need structural support to scale up.

To deliver on EU renovation goals, OSS must be better financed, more widely recognised, and supported by aligned policy frameworks. Across the EU, OSS perceive their national legislative contexts as only moderately supportive (average score below 5/10). They also report limited recognition as strategic players in renovation efforts, signalling a need for stronger institutional backing at national level. 

The EU Peers Community is here to provide support, peer exchange and visibility to OSS across the EU to help them scale their activities. 

Get the complete picture! 

Inside the full report, you’ll discover what types of OSS exist across the EU, what pricing models they use, how they are funded, the average conversion rate, how legal status shapes OSS roles and ambitions, what services are offered for free vs. paid – and how much they cost, what team sizes and skills profiles OSS have in place, etc. Whether you’re running an OSS, planning to launch one, or you are shaping a national or EU-level policy, this report offers evidence-based insights to inform your next steps. 

A huge thanks to all OSS and support structures who contributed to this survey! EU Peers plans to relaunch and enhance this survey in the coming years, with even broader participation. 

👉 Access the full report here.

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