Energy efficiency is central to achieving the European Green Deal objectives and meeting the EU’s climate neutrality targets. Buildings remain one of the largest sources of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in Europe, and improving their performance is essential for reducing emissions and addressing energy poverty — a pressing issue affecting millions of households across the EU.
Under the REVERTER project, the project’s communication and dissemination partner WIT Berry has developed four Digital One-Stop Shops (DOSS) for the pilot regions of Brezovo (Bulgaria), Coimbra (Portugal), Athens (Greece), and Riga (Latvia). These online platforms are designed to make the process of home renovation easier and more accessible, especially for vulnerable households.
The newly released White Paper presents the key findings from this work, based on extensive survey data, hotspot analyses, and assessments of vulnerable consumers’ needs in the four pilot areas. It provides a comprehensive overview of the barriers to energy renovation and showcases the role of DOSS platforms in overcoming them.
Importantly, the White Paper highlights the main results and takeaways for each Digital One-Stop Shop, detailing how each platform addressed local needs and challenges. It also provides practical recommendations for those planning to develop or maintain DOSS platforms — offering guidance on technical design, user engagement, and communication strategies to effectively reach and support vulnerable consumers.
These insights offer valuable direction for policymakers, local authorities, and practitioners committed to scaling up deep energy renovations and fostering inclusive, user-centered digital solutions for energy efficiency.
Read the full White Paper and explore the lessons learned
Conclusion
The White Paper concludes that the most effective strategy for future Digital One-Stop Shop (DOSS) development lies in adopting a multi-channel communication approach. Combining online and offline promotion—including banners, press releases, and digital campaigns—ensures greater outreach and engagement across diverse audiences.
Digital tools such as Google AdWords and Facebook campaigns are particularly effective for targeted communication, while investments in SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and AIO (Artificial Intelligence Optimisation) can strengthen visibility and reduce the need for paid media. At the same time, offline promotion—through banners and posters in public spaces—remains vital, especially when tailored to the scale of each area, from small municipalities like Brezovo to larger urban settings such as Riga or Athens.
The success of a DOSS depends on clear, accessible, and engaging communication. Providing practical, user-friendly information and ensuring balanced visibility across channels are essential to building trust, raising awareness, and encouraging active participation in energy renovation initiatives.
Future Developments and Recommendations
As the REVERTER project concludes, ensuring the continued relevance, visibility, and usability of the Digital One-Stop Shops is essential for long-term impact. Each platform should have clear ownership and regular updates to maintain credibility and engagement, while integration into local and national strategies can secure policy alignment and funding continuity.
Sustaining user interest will also depend on consistent communication — both online through targeted campaigns and SEO, and offline via partnerships with municipalities, NGOs, and community networks that can help promote and explain the platform to less digitally active audiences.
Looking ahead, WIT Berry encourages continue SEO and AIO, monitoring, and expansion of the DOSS model. Strengthening cooperation between stakeholders, maintaining fresh content, and adopting digital tools such as online consultation forms can enhance usability and interaction. To ensure sustainability, DOSS operators should plan for long-term financing, maintenance and continuous updates and improvements.
The DOSS framework and experience developed within REVERTER offer a scalable, practical model for supporting inclusive and effective energy renovation efforts across Europe.
