On December 16th, the Valencia pilot site hosted a Focus Group workshop on Energy Performance Contracts (EnPC), organised by Valencia Clima i Energia. The workshop aimed to present the current status and future opportunities for EnPC in Spain and Valencia, particularly for the energy retrofitting of residential buildings with an emphasis on improving comfort. Additionally, the event sought to define the roles of various stakeholders involved in EPCs, with a special focus on the contributions of local public administrations and Energy Offices.

With more than 25 participants from the industry and consumer sectors, the event was a resounding success.

During the workshop, participants identified several key challenges. Social factors emerged as a major obstacle, as implementing an Energy Performance Contract (EnPC) in a residential building often requires significant cooperation among neighbors—a process that can be particularly complex and time-consuming. Technical challenges were also evident in Valencia, where the region’s specific climate conditions often conflict with construction standards designed for other weather zones. This mismatch makes it difficult to achieve high energy performance in buildings that are already relatively efficient for local conditions.

Economic challenges were another barrier, as the implementation of EnPCs in residential buildings often depends on the availability of grants and subsidies. Without such financial support, many projects remain unfeasible. Furthermore, regulatory issues were highlighted as a significant hurdle. The extensive paperwork required for EnPC projects can be overwhelming for citizens, necessitating assistance from external companies to navigate the administrative process effectively.

The EBENTO project seeks to address these challenges by creating an integrated platform for stakeholders in the construction and renovation sector. This platform will streamline the coordination and management of diagnostics, contracting, and financing for renovations through Energy Performance Contracts (EPC) or similar schemes.

As part of its Valencian pilot, the EBENTO project is exploring how comfort improvements can be incorporated into these contracts. Research indicates that energy and cost savings are not always the primary drivers for property owners to undertake renovations. Instead, the tangible benefits of enhanced comfort and well-being often serve as more compelling motivations for these projects.

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