Joint National Conference 2026

From Recast to Real Impact: Delivering the EPBD Recast to Tackle Energy Poverty and Reach Climate Neutrality

the conference brought together policymakers, local authorities, European partners, One-Stop Shop representatives, researchers, and practitioners from across Ireland and Europe to explore the practical implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) Recast and the role of integrated renovation services in supporting a fair and inclusive energy transition.

The event welcomed approximately 80 participants and created a valuable platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration on addressing energy poverty, accelerating retrofit delivery, and strengthening pathways towards climate neutrality.

The conference opened with welcoming remarks from Alex Hamilton, Head of Operations at South East Energy Agency, followed by a pre-recorded keynote address from former President of Ireland Mary Robinson, who highlighted the importance of community-led climate action, social inclusion, and the role of collaborative European initiatives such as EU PEERS in supporting sustainable change.

Throughout the morning session, attendees heard from a range of national and European experts, including:

• Stacey Phelan (South East Energy Agency / EU PEERS) – One-Stop Shops and the EPBD
• Christophe Milin (European Commission) – Towards large-scale rollout of Integrated Home Renovation Services in Europe
• Jenny-Claire Keilmann (Climate Alliance / EU PEERS Lead Partner) – European Experiences in the Deployment of One-Stop Shops
• Georgina Molloy (SEAI) – Recast EPBD Progress in Ireland
• Marion Jammet (Irish Green Building Council) – insights on sustainable renovation, policy, and implementation
• Mairtín Ó Méaloíd (EcoVision / Energy Communities Tipperary Cooperative) – community-led retrofit approaches and tackling energy poverty through One-Stop Shops

A high-level panel discussion titled “One Stop Shop Definitions Across Europe” brought together representatives from Ireland and across Europe to discuss practical implementation challenges, governance models, stakeholder engagement, and opportunities to scale integrated home renovation services.

Panel contributors included:

• Silvio De Nigris – Regione Piemonte
• Mairtín Ó Méaloíd – EcoVision / ECTC
• Marion Jammet – Irish Green Building Council
• Jenny-Claire Keilmann – Climate Alliance
• Marcin Badurek – Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)

The afternoon programme focused on interactive breakout workshops designed to encourage peer exchange, capacity building, and stakeholder collaboration.

Workshop I – DeCarb Pro

“Monetising Carbon: Unlocking Market Opportunities & Policy Innovation”

Facilitated by Dewi Vliex and Ralf Kampe (South East Energy Agency), this workshop explored carbon pricing mechanisms, public procurement, behavioural change, and opportunities for market innovation and policy development.

Workshop II – SCEPA & EU PEERS

“One Stop Shop Models & their Link to Energy Poverty”

Facilitated by Stacey Phelan, Stephen Oba (South East Energy Agency), this interactive workshop examined how One-Stop Shop models can better support vulnerable communities and address energy poverty through integrated local approaches, stakeholder collaboration, and community engagement.

The event concluded with closing reflections from Alex Hamilton, who emphasised the importance of continued collaboration between European institutions, national authorities, regional actors, and local communities in ensuring the successful implementation of the EPBD Recast.

South East Energy Agency would like to sincerely thank all speakers, facilitators, partners, attendees, and contributors who helped make the conference a success.

The discussions and insights shared throughout the day reinforced the growing importance of practical, people-centred approaches to retrofit delivery, energy poverty alleviation, and climate action across Europe.

We look forward to continuing this collaboration through the ongoing work of the EU PEERS, SCEPA, and DeCarb Pro projects.

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