In an insightful interview, Bettina Sticher from SERA global, one of the authors of the report, shares her expertise on key strategies to make Renovation Passports (RPs) both affordable and effective. She discusses the importance of streamlining processes through digital tools, modular designs, and collaboration between the public and private sectors. Bettina also explores how integrating RPs with Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and Digital Building Logbooks (DBLs) can create a more efficient, data-driven system for building renovations. In addition, she highlights the role of profiling national building stock in developing tailored RP schemes and explains the vital support offered by regional one-stop shops. Drawing from successful models like Germany’s Sanierungsfahrplan, Bettina offers valuable insights on how to implement RPs successfully and ensure their widespread adoption.

The report identifies the need for ensuring low costs for both the administration and building owners. What specific strategies could be employed to make Renovation Passports (RPs) affordable while maintaining effectiveness?

To make Renovation Passports (RPs) affordable and effective, we should streamline processes and reduce costs. Using digital tools and automation through centralised platforms can cut administrative expenses by simplifying tasks like data entry and reporting. Standardising data collection further reduces costs by avoiding the need for customised solutions for different building types. A modular RP design offers varying detail levels based on building complexity, allowing owners to approach renovations gradually and manage costs more easily. Public subsidies, like grants and tax incentives, are key to supporting low-income homeowners, and partnerships with private companies, such as energy providers and banks, can improve cost-efficiency. Bulk discounts for multiple properties and third-party certification can also help control costs while ensuring quality. Lastly, highlighting long-term energy savings encourages homeowners to invest in RPs, and integrating the process with existing data frameworks minimises duplication.

How do you envision the integration of Renovation Passports with Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and Digital Building Logbooks (DBLs)? What challenges does this integration pose?

Integrating Renovation Passports (RPs) with Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and Digital Building Logbooks (DBLs) creates a framework to enhance building energy efficiency and sustainability.

This integration provides a comprehensive view of a building’s energy performance, renovation history, and future potential. A centralized digital platform allows owners and authorities to access relevant data, enabling updates and progress tracking. Data-sharing between tools improves RP recommendations and tracks long-term renovation impacts. Homeowners gain a clear roadmap for energy upgrades, while governments can leverage this data for financial incentives and compliance. Policymakers also gain insights into building stock trends, helping adjust regulations to meet climate goals. Challenges include data standardization, interoperability, privacy concerns, and the need for substantial digital infrastructure investment. Effective stakeholder engagement is crucial to ensure widespread adoption. Despite these challenges, integrating RPs, EPCs, and DBLs could yield significant benefits, including better energy performance insights and progress towards national energy efficiency targets.

What’s the interaction between researching the building stock / profile of national building stock/typologies and the design of the RP schemes?

Researching and profiling national building stock is essential for designing effective and tailored Renovation Passport (RP) schemes. By analysing building types — such as residential versus non-residential — and factors like age, materials, and geographic location, RP schemes can be customised to meet the specific energy efficiency needs of different structures. This research identifies key renovation priorities, such as the need for improved insulation in older buildings or upgrades to cooling systems in warmer regions. Additionally, energy performance data allows RP schemes to target buildings that most require energy-saving measures, helping to the develop cost-effective solutions based on common renovation requirements across various building types. Policymakers can leverage this data to create targeted incentives and subsidies, ensuring that RPs guide renovations effectively while aligning with available financial support. Benchmarking building performance and monitoring feedback are critical, as they help RP schemes set clear goals and stay current with technological advancements. Profiling national building stock also ensures that RP schemes are scalable, making them to applicable across various regions or countries. This scalability enhances the efficiency of the renovation process and aligns with overarching climate and energy goals, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future.

Could you elaborate on the role of regional one-stop shops (OSS) as facilitators in the RP rollout? What are the most promising examples?

Regional one-stop shops (OSS) are essential for the successful rollout of Renovation Passports (RPs), streamlining the renovation process for building owners by offering comprehensive support from initial assessments to the implementation of energy-saving measures. These hubs provide personalised guidance, to help building owners develop actionable renovation plans based on their RPs, making the process more manageable. They also assist with navigating grants, subsidies, and financial packages, significantly reducing renovation costs. One notable example is Octave, a leader in this field which facilitates over 38,000 renovation projects annually in the Grand Est region, France. Octave offers a range of services, including consultancy, financial support, and project management and features a user-friendly `Assistance simulator` that allows homeowners to assess their eligibility for renovation grants. Its success is due to a holistic approach, that combines tailored financial solutions and strong collaboration with local authorities to enhance the program’s credibility. Another noteworthy example is hauskunft, an OSS based in Vienna, Austria, established through the EU-funded RenoBooster project to boost renovation rates in Europe. Managed by the Vienna Housing Fund since May 2021, hauskunft offers free and independent renovation advice and features an integrated funding portal. They also offer “future checks” for buildings, whether through telephone, virtual, or on-site consultations, and develops comprehensive, individual renovation concepts subsidized by the City of Vienna. In 2022 alone, haskunft conducted around 3,500 counselling sessions demonstrating their impact and effectiveness in supporting building owners through the renovation process.

What communication strategies do you recommend for raising awareness about RPs, and how can governments ensure public understanding of their benefits?

To raise awareness about Renovation Passports (RPs) and their benefits, governments need a comprehensive communication strategy targeting homeowners, landlords, businesses, and contractors. This should include mass media campaigns, social media outreach with educational content, and partnerships with trusted influencers. 

Tailored messaging is key: for homeowners, focus on personal benefits like energy savings and increased property value; for landlords, highlight the long-term financial advantages; and for contractors, emphasise attracting new clients. Educational workshops, webinars, and dedicated websites should offer guides, calculators, and RP assessments.  Partnering with local authorities and community groups can raise awareness at the grassroots level.

Clear, simple communication that focuses on comfort, cost savings, and environmental benefits is crucial

Consistent messaging and ongoing public engagement will help ensure widespread adoption of RPs.

Based on the good practice criteria you’ve developed, which country or initiative stands out as a leading example for the successful implementation of Renovation Passports (or similar policy tool), and why?

One of the most successful examples of a policy tool like Renovation Passports is Germany’s Sanierungsfahrplan, or Renovation Roadmap which excels due to its tailored approach to energy-efficient building renovations. It provides a personalised plan that guides building owners step-by-step in improving energy efficiency, outlining costs, savings, and the impact of each measure. Its modular design, allows homeowners to phase renovations over time, making it easier to manage costs and implement energy-saving measures gradually.

What sets the Sanierungsfahrplan apart is its integration with financial support programs. For example, homeowners can access subsidies and low-interest loans through programs like those offered by banks. Following the roadmap’s recommendations can also unlock additional tax benefits and financial incentives, making the plan financially appealing. Fully aligned with Germany’s national energy efficiency goals and backed by a strong legal framework, this initiative is key in enforcing energy efficiency improvements across both residential and non-residential buildings.

Public awareness campaigns play a crucial role in its success, offering clear, easy-to-understand information that enhances the roadmap’s accessibility.

The Sanierungsfahrplan’s visual format simplifies the renovation process and builds public trust. The Sanierungsfahrplan has seen high uptake, especially in the residential sector. Its data-driven nature ensures continuous assessment and improvement, allowing for adjustments based on user feedback. Local energy agencies and one-stop shops provide tailored advice further simplifying the process for homeowners. Overall, Germany’s Sanierungsfahrplan stands out for its structured approach, strong policy backing, and seamless integration with financial incentives, making it a leading model for similar renovation initiatives.

Read the full report here!