Advancing energy efficiency in public buildings through one-stop shops: lessons-learnt from the CROSSFIT-project

Abstract The CROSSFIT project seeks to transform how energy efficiency projects are managed in the public sector by introducing a game-changing approach with the set-up of a one-stop shop in the public sector, where complexities in procurement are simplified, and opportunities are seized. The primary goal is to streamline decision-making; centralize tender procedures at the municipal, regional, and national levels; and captivate the private financial community’s active participation. Drawing inspiration from the successful Vlaams EnergieBedrijf one-stop shop model in Belgium, CROSSFIT will further develop the Vlaams EnergieBedrijf model by integrating financial engineering and evolving into Vlaams EnergieBedrijf 2.0—establishing similar systems in Greece, Portugal, and Spain to streamline decision-making and tendering. The project will blend public and private capital for financing and aims to expand the model across Europe, with the Sustainable Energy Finance Association playing a key role in scaling the results for wider European Union adoption. As part of this strategy, Sustainable Energy Finance Association will explore and promote specific financial mechanisms such as green bonds, public–private partnerships, and revolving funds to mobilize investment and ensure the long-term viability of one-stop shop models at scale.