Graspinno Best Practices

GRASPINNO
Transnational model, strategies and decision support for innovative clusters and business networks towards
green growth, focusing on green e-procurement in EE/RES for energy refurbishment of public buildings.
Deliverable:
D5.5.4 GRASPINNO Cooperation
and networking facilities with
transnational scope
Prepared by University of Maribor

Date: 27.9.2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 9
PART I 11
1. METHODOLOGIES FOR INCREASING GREEN REFURBISHMENT OF BUILDINGS
15
1.1. GRASPINNO BEST PRACTICES 15
1.1.1. GRASPINNO PUBLIC PROCUREMENT METHODOLOGY 16
1.1.2. GRASPINNO LL METHODOLOGY 17
1.1.3. GRASPINNO PILOT METHODOLOGY 18
1.2. OTHER BEST PRACTICES 19
1.2.1. A METHODOLOGY FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING REFURBISHMENT 19
1.2.2. GRASPINNO PILOT METHODOLOGY 20
2. APPROACHES FOR INCREASING KNOWLEDGE AND R&I COMPETENCES 21
2.1.1. GRASPINNO LIVING LABS 22
2.1.2. GRASPINNO TRANSFERRING KNOWLEDGE 24
2.1.3. GRASPINNO TRANSFERRING KNOWLEDGE 25
2.2.1. ENERGY VIRTUOUS LIVING LAB 26
2.2.2. CEPPI LIVING LAB 27
3. APPROACHES FOR INCREASING FUNDING AND POLICY IMPROVEMENTS 29
3.1.1. GREEN FUND LIVING LABS 30
3.1.2. INCREASING KNOWLEDGE ON SMART SEAP 32
3.1.3. MAINSTREAMING GRASPINNO INNOVATIONS 33
3.2.1. BUILD – UPON RENOVATION STRATEGIES PROVIDING POLICY AND REGULATORY
INNOVATION 35
3.2.2. IMPROVING POLICY INSTRUMENTS 36
3.2.3. ECO-INNOVATION INVESTMENTS 37
3.2.4. ECOFUNDING 38
4. TOOLS FOR ENERGY REFURBISHMENT OF BUILDINGS 39
4.1.1. ELECTRONIC GREEN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT TOOL (E-GPP) FOR PAS 40
4.1.2. ELECTRONIC GREEN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT TOOL (E-GPP) FOR SMES 41
4.1.3. EX-ANTE LCC TOOL 42
4.1.4. EX-POST LCC TOOL 43
4.2.1. GRASP GREEN PROCUREMENT PLATFORM 44
4.2.2. SERVICE-ORIENTED PLATFORM E-PRIOR 45
4.2.3. DECISION SUPPORT TOOL PRIORITEE 46
5. PILOT ACTIONS SUPPORTING ENERGY REFURBISHMENT OF BUILDINGS 47
5.1.1. GRASPINNO PILOT ACTIONS 47
5.2.1. EU-GUGLE PILOT ACTIONS 49
PART II 51
6. NETWORKING FACILITIES 51
6.1. GREEN GROWTH COMMUNITY 53
6.1.1. INTERREG MED GREEN GROWTH COMMUNITY 53
6.1.2. GREEN GROWTH KNOWLEDGE PLATFORM 54
6.2. RENEWABLE ENERGY COMMUNITY 55
6.2.1. RENEWABLE ENERGY COMMUNITY 55
6.2.2. INTERNATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY (IRENA) 56
6.3. EFFICIENT BUILDINGS COMMUNITY 57
6.3.1. MED EFFICIENT BUILDINGS COMMUNITY 57
6.3.2. BUILD UP 58
6.4. SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT COMMUNITY 59
6.4.1. PROCURA+ 59
6.4.2. SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT RESOURCE CENTRE 60
6.4.3. THE PROCUREMENT FORUM 61
6.4.4. PUBLIC PROCUREMENT NETWORK 62
6.4.5. THE EUROPEAN NGO NETWORK ON GREEN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT 63
6.4.6. THE INTERNATIONAL GREEN PURCHASING NETWORK (IGPN) 64
6.5. NETWORKING COMMUNITY 65
6.5.1. TRANSNATIONAL MEDITERRANEAN NETWORK (TMN) 65
6.5.2. ICLEI – LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR SUSTAINABILITY 66
6.5.3. UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME 67
6.5.4. THE EU SWITCH TO GREEN FLAGSHIP INITIATIVE 68
6.6. SOCIAL AND CREATIVE COMMUNITY 69
6.6.1. MED SOCIAL & CREATIVE COMMUNITY 69
PART III 70
CONCLUSION 70
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 1: BEST PRACTICES BY CATEGORY AND THEMATIC ISSUES 12
TABLE 2: DEPLOYMENT OF BEST PRACTICES THROUGH NETWORKING FACILITIES FOR
FURTHER EXPLOITATION 71
ABBREVIATIONS
DB Database (for e-GPP)

e-GPP Electronic Green Public Procurement
EE Energy Efficiency
EIP Energy Innovation Procurement
EPBD Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
EU European Union
EVLL Energy Virtuous Living Lab
GEM Global Ecosystem Monitoring
GGC Green Growth Community
GGKP Green Growth Knowledge Platform
GPP Green Public Procurement
ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability
ICT Information and Communication Technology
IGPN International Green Purchasing Network
IT Information Technology
KPI Key Performance Indicator
LCA Life Cycle Assessment
LCC Life Cycle Cost
LL Living Lab
MED Mediterranean
MEEBR Methodology for Energy Efficiency Building Refurbishment
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
OECD Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
PA Public Authority
PPI Public Procurement of Innovation
PPN Public Procurement Network
PPP Public and Private Partnership
PV Photovoltaic
RES Renewable Energy Source
R&I Research and Innovation
SCP Sustainable Consumption and Production
SEAP Sustainable Energy Action Plan
SME Small and Medium Enterprises
SPPEL Sustainable Public Procurement and Ecolabelling
SPPI Sustainable Public Procurement Initiative
TALIA Territorial Appropriation of Leading-edge Innovation Actions
TIP Tender Package
TMN Transnational Mediterranean Network
UN United Nations
UNEP United Nations Environment Programme
7
INTRODUCTION
The D5.5.4 GRASPINNO Cooperation and networking facilities with transnational scope consist of
three main parts. Part I presents best practices, developed in the GRASPINNO and other projects. Part
II presents networking facilities with transnational scope. The final Part III provides conclusions on
potential areas, where best practices are further exploited and capitalized within existing networking
facilities.
The aim of this document is to evaluate best practices, mainly developed during project GRASPINNO,
and to deploy networking facilities towards supporting green energy clusters and networks to
bring their innovations to market and cooperate transnationally. Considered best practices have
provided essential methods, knowledge, experience and tools for greener and more suitable growth,
while focusing on green electronic procurement for energy refurbishment of public buildings. Due to
defined networking facilities, the best practices can be spread throughout appropriate facilities for
advocacy, lobbying and liaison.
Definitions of best practices vary, some of them are:
• Best practices are a set of guidelines, ethics or ideas that represent the most efficient or
prudent course of action in a given business situation. Best practices may be established by
authorities, such as regulatory or governing bodies, or they may be internally decreed by a
company’s management team (Investopedia, 2019).
• Best practices are a working method or set of working methods that is officially accepted as
being the best to use in a particular business or industry, usually described formally and in
detail (Cambridge dictionary, 2019).
• Best practice is a method or technique that has consistently shown results superior to those
achieved with other means, and that is used as a benchmark (Business dictionary, 2019).
• A best practice is a method or technique that has been generally accepted as superior to any
alternatives because it produces results that are superior to those achieved by other means
or because it has become a standard way of doing things, e.g. a standard way of complying
with legal or ethical requirements (Wikipedia, 2019).
For the purpose of our research we define best practices as methods (e.g. methodologies,
approaches, guidelines, tools, etc.) that are the most likely to:
a. support goals toward green and sustainable growth, either by providing solutions in electronic
green public procurement, energy refurbishment of buildings, sustainable energy action
plans, green energy market, and to
a. increase R&I capacities and competences of private and public sector on green growth,
energy management, electronic green public procurement.
When considering networking facilities in our document, we have in mind an interconnected

group or system, organized within different facilities or organisational structures, from communities,
initiatives, forums, programmes, etc. all active or contributing in the field of green and sustainable
growth with transnational scope.
9
PART I
In process of supporting green energy clusters and networks to bring their innovations to market
and cooperate transnationally, several best practices, developed in GRASPINNO and other related
projects, were identified. These best practices were beneficial for private and public sector as they
increased their R&I capacities and competences and proposed various solutions for green energy
related topics. The emphasis was given to methodologies, approaches, guidelines and tools, related
to various energy topics from electronic green public procurement, energy refurbishment of buildings,
eco-funding, sustainable energy action plans, renewable energy, green energy market, etc. Thus,
best practices can be classified in five categories:
1. Methodologies for increasing green refurbishment of buildings, which provide common

guidelines for establishing green criteria, living labs and pilots that led to the improvements
of green public procurement and energy refurbishment.
2. Approaches for increasing knowledge and R&I competences, which assist PAs, SMEs
and policy makers to co-create common knowledge and increase their R&I competences in
field of energy refurbishment and green public procurement.
3. Approaches for increasing funding and policy improvements, which aim to provide
support for stakeholders to be more strongly involved in forming funding and policy
recommendations for more efficient policy on green public procurement and energy
refurbishment of buildings.
4. Tools for energy refurbishment of buildings, which improve performance of stakeholders

in green public procurement and energy refurbishment of public buildings, leading to
environmental and economic savings.
5. Pilot actions, supporting energy refurbishment of buildings enable active participation

of stakeholders in pilot actions through which they have been educated, trained and advised
in preparing for energy refurbishment of buildings.
Additionally, the connection between best practices and thematic issues, defined within GRASPINNO
capitalization activities, can be found. Thus, the identified best practices belong to one of four main
thematic issues:
1. Energy environmental analysis: modality and tools, used to carry out the analysis on
energy production, consumption, CO2, etc. in the public buildings: SEAP, LOCARBO or other
projects, etc.
2. Decision support instruments: supporting instruments for tenders or strategical choices

to finance the EE interventions: e-GPP platform, database, LL, financial modalities to finance
EE interventions (Public-Private Partnership, combination of different tools, such as the
financial instruments of the Regional Operational Program, EU funds, etc.).
3. Green assessment: assessment procedures and tools, used to guarantee environmental

and/or economic savings (LCC ex-post, LCA, e-GPP platform, GPP criteria, etc.).
4. Networking tool: TMN and other platforms, where members can share information on
energy savings or make a call on tender processes in the energy savings field, be informed
about the tender processes open in most countries and provide information on companies’
offer, by uploading catalogues of products and services, and by sharing news.
11
The best practices according to the category and GRASPINNO thematic issues are presented in Table
1: Best practices by category and thematic issues.
Table: 1. BEST PRACTICES BY CATEGORY AND THEMATIC ISSUES
THEMATIC ISSUES
BEST PRATICES DECISION ENERGY

GREEN NETWORKING
SUPPORT ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT TOOL
INSTRUMENTS ANALYSIS
Methodologies for increasing green
GRASPINNO Public procurement

methodology
refurbishment of buildings
GRASPINNO Living Lab methodology
GRASPINNO Pilot methodology
Methodology for energy efficient

building refurbishment
OPEN HOUSE methodology

Methodologies for increasing green
GRASPINNO Living Labs

refurbishment of buildings.
GRASPINNO transferring knowledge
GRASPINNO capitalizing knowledge
Energy Virtuous Living Lab
CEPPI Living Lab

Approaches for increasing funding and policy
Green Fund Living Labs
Increasing knowledge on smart SEAP
Mainstreaming GRASPINNO
innovations
improvements
BUILD-UPON renovation strategies

providing policy and regulatory
innovation
Improving policy instruments
Eco-innovation investments
Eco funding
12
TABLE 1: BEST PRACTICES BY CATEGORY AND THEMATIC ISSUES
THEMATIC ISSUES
BEST PRATICES DECISION ENERGY

GREEN NETWORKING
SUPPORT ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT TOOL
INSTRUMENTS ANALYSIS
Electronic green public procurement

Tools for energy refurbishment of buildings
tool (e-GPP) for PAs
Electronic green public procurement

tool (e-GPP) for SMEs
Ex-ante LCC tool
Ex-post LCC tool
GRASP green procurement platform
Service-oriented platform e-PRIOR
Decision support tool PrioritEE

Pilot actions supporting energy
refurbishment of buildings
GRASPINNO pilot actions
EU-GUGLE pilot actions
13
1. METHODOLOGIES FOR INCREASING GREEN
REFURBISHMENT OF BUILDINGS
Several best practices provided common guidelines for establishing green criteria, living
labs and pilots through various methodologies. All mentioned methodologies have provided
an effective and solid plan that led to the improvements of green public procurement and
energy refurbishment.
1.1. GRASPINNO BEST PRACTICES

Realization of energy efficiency interventions in public buildings through GRASPINNO methodology
on green electronic public procurement assisted public authorities to execute green electronic
public procurement in the process of energy refurbishment of their buildings. The methodology itself
not only explains the identification of general specifications and standards for green eProcurement,
but also explains green criteria for products/services and identification of EU GPP criteria for
public buildings refurbishment. The best practice is presented in detail in 1.1.1 GRASPINNO public
procurement methodology.
GRASPINNO Living Lab methodology refers to steps and approaches to be used for establishment
of the LLs. The methodology provides guidelines on how to gather different stakeholders to enable
their cooperation in more effective and innovative way, thus leading to common energy efficient
solutions and approaches, mainly but not exclusively, in the field of energy refurbishment of buildings.
The best practice is presented in detail in 1.1.2 GRASPINNO LL methodology.
GRASPINNO pilot methodology provides a common strategy for implementation of pilots, carrying
out the green energy refurbishment of public buildings. The energy efficiency renovation is a long-
lasting procedure, which requires skilled and experienced personnel. This process can be more
effective if it is followed by a systematic approach or methodology. Energy refurbishment should be
guided to save time, cost and efforts in order to maximize the energy refurbishment impact on the
territory. Although a national legalisation and e-GPP vary across countries, the pilot methodology
was able to set common steps and recommendations, benefiting all involved stakeholders. The best
practice is thoroughly presented in 1.1.3 GRASPINNO pilot methodology.
All methodologies, set in place, were used transnationally (in 7 Mediterranean countries), addressing
various thematic areas of green energy (green public procurement, green energy refurbishment, green
funding and mentoring, SEAP, etc.). The methodologies for establishing green public procurement
criteria, living labs and pilots have a leverage effect in other areas, since although the activities are
focused on public buildings, the approaches should also be implemented for private buildings over
time. Nevertheless, the methodologies are widely transferable to other geographical and thematic
areas.
15
1.1.1. GRASPINNO PUBLIC PROCUREMENT METHODOLOGY
GRASPINNO METHODOLOGY ON GREEN ELECTRONIC PUBLIC PROCUREMENT FOR

Best practice title
REALIZATIONS OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY INTERVENTIONS IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS
Year 2018
University of Patras, Contact person:
Department of Civil Engineering Marousi Konstantina

Point of contact
Research Committee, Ktirio A markwnna@gmail.com
Panepstimioupoli, Rio 26504 +30 6978842158
The GRASPINNO methodology for developing green public procurement criteria provides
methodology to be used for the development of electronic green public procurement criteria,
A short description including the identification of a) general specifications and standards for green eProcurement, b)
green criteria that products/services should have, c) identification of EU GPP criteria for public
buildings refurbishment and d) ASHRAE criteria.
GRASPINNO
Green assessment
thematic area
GRASPINNO partners
Infrastructure and public (service) provider
Target group Local public authority
Regional public authority
National public authority

The methodology was used to:
• describe general standards and specifications for green eProcurement

Why was the best
practice used? • to develop electronic green public procurement criteria
• to assist GRASPINNO partners, public authorities in definition for green criteria and support
SMEs to offer/provide products/services (in line with green criteria) prior pilot actions
GRASPINNO methodology for developing green public procurement criteria increases the public
authorities’ knowledge on eProcurement while considering green criteria. It supports PAs to adopt
What are the
smart green procurement including the knowledge on standards, green criteria and procedures.
benefits of best
This way methodology indirectly contributes to the efficient use of energy and money savings for
practice?
the public sector. Additionally, it increases the SMEs knowledge on understanding green criteria
and encourage them to actively participate on green energy market.
What problems/ When establishing a common methodology, the greatest challenge presents the diverse culture
issues were environment and different development levels of green public procurement in Mediterranean
associated with the countries. This required additional efforts to establish a methodology suitable for a wide target
best practice? user audience.
The best practice has shown to be successful as it has provided a comprehensive methodology,
What is the success
usable by different countries. The guidelines were very necessary in developing e-GPP tool and for
of the best practice?
the execution of tenders within pilot actions.
GRASPINNO D3.2.1 Methodology for developing green electronic public procurement criteria
More information
WEBSITE: http://www.graspinno.eu/
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1.1.2. GRASPINNO LL METHODOLOGY
LL METHODOLOGY AS A DECISION SUPPORT INSTRUMENT TO CREATE JOINT

Best practice title
DECISIONS AND SOLUTIONS FOR ENERGY REFURBISHMENT OF BUILDINGS
Year 2017
University of Maribor -
Contact person:
Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transportation
Marksel Maršenka
Point of contact Engineering and Architecture
marsenka.marksel@um.si
Smetanova ul. 17
+386 2 22 94 393
2000 Maribor
The LL methodology developed within the GRASPINNO project refers to steps and approaches to
be used for establishment of LL. The methodology serves as guidelines on how to gather different
stakeholders, such as PAs, SMEs, policy makers, and energy experts, not only to perform an
informal dialogue among them but also encourages them to create joint decisions and solutions.
Therefore, the methodology has found to be a very useful decision support instrument to organize
A short description
different PAs, SMEs and policy makers in the field of green energy. Throughout the six phases of
Living lab set up, i.e. Connect, Educate and train, Implement, Improve, Evaluate and Disseminate,
LLs enable knowledge transfer obtained during the project’s pilot actions and exchange experiences
or concerns on green growth, especially including end-users, thus setting the base for developing
more effective energy management moving towards almost zero-energy buildings.
GRASPINNO
Decision support instruments
thematic area
GRASPINNO partners
Local public authority

Target group
SME
Although GRASPINNO Living Labs have addressed several problems and challenges, such as
green public procurement, green funding, green policy, electricity consumption, they all lead to
a common aim - to co-create new decisions and solutions and to transfer knowledge for more
Why was the best
green sustainable growth. The LL methodologies were used to address those issues and make
practice used?
new decisions for energy refurbishment of public buildings in form of informal collaborations,
upgrading (electronic) tools for green public procurement, revision of green criteria, or by
establishing guidelines for execution of green electronic public procurement.
Due to its uniform nature GRASPINNO LL methodology can be transferred and capitalized for
establishing new, similar collaborations. By following GRASPINNO Living lab set up methodology,
What are the
the stance of LLs stakeholders and also of civil society toward green sustainable growth can change.
benefits of best
The LL methodology encourages stakeholders to be more actively involved in the innovation and
practice?
decision processes by spreading the knowledge on green energy, therefore by capitalizing this
methodology many positive effects will arise.
What problems/ The main issue was to form a unique methodology for establishment of the Living labs in
issues were countries, where there are several legal, cultural, organizational and knowledge-based differences.
associated with the Therefore, the establishment and execution of such methodology required strong engagement of
best practice? stakeholders (mainly project partners as the initiators of the Living labs).
What is the success The methodology enabled the establishment of 7 GRASPINNO Living Labs in 6 different countries
of the best practice? (Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Spain, Cyprus and Bosnia and Herzegovina).
GRASPINNO D4.1 Report on Living Labs
More information GRASPIINO D4.2 Findings from Living Labs
17
1.1.3. GRASPINNO PILOT METHODOLOGY
GRASPINNO PILOT METHODOLOGY FOR REALIZATION OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Best practice title
INTERVENTIONS IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS
Year 2017
University of Patras -
Contact person:
Department of Civil Engineering
Marousi Konstantina
Point of contact Research Committee, Ktirio A,
markwnna@gmail.com
Panepistimioupoli, Rio
+30 6978842158
26504 Patras
GRASPINNO pilot methodology was developed to reinsure time saving and more efficient execution of tenders
for green energy refurbishment of public buildings in various countries considering their national specifics and
legalisation. It provides a common strategy for implementation of pilots in the following crustal steps:
1. Audits of pilot sites, identification of their needs using KPIs,
2. Definition of optimal green refurbishment,
3. Preparation of a green tender based on green e-procurement,
A short description
4. Specifications/criteria, using the unified e-GPP platform,
5. Publication/execution of the tender using national procurement,
6. Adjusting platform and integrating legislation,
7. Installation/application of suggested solutions, supplier audit,
8. Evaluation based on pilot data collection,
9. Internal reports showing the progress of their pilots.
GRASPINNO
thematic area
GRASPINNO partners Regional public authority
Target group Infrastructure and public (service) provider National public authority
Local public authority SMEs
The energy efficiency renovation is a long-lasting procedure, which requires skilled and experienced personnel.
Why was the best This process can be more effective if followed by a systematic approach or methodology. Energy refurbishment
should be guided to save on time, cost and efforts and thus maximize the energy refurbishment impact on the
practice used? territory. Although a national legalisation and e-GPP varies across countries, the GRASPINNO pilot methodology
enables setting common steps and recommendations.
The GRASPINNO pilot methodology provides a clear step towards execution of the pilots and making a proper pilot
evaluation, which is also very crucial. It is a valuable “handbook” for all, who are dealing with pilots or other actions
and require guidelines in form of steps and recommendations. Pilot methodology recognized two very important
What are the aspects in the phase of pilot execution, this is training courses and technical events, both engaging stakeholders
(PAs, SMEs, clusters, networks, etc.) to actively participate in pilot actions. While training courses enable training
benefits of best of the potential stakeholders involved in the pilots to use the e-GPP platform, the technical events are oriented
practice? more to exchange information on pilots’ results, lessons learned, knowledge/experience gained, and identified
problems. Overall, the main benefit of the methodology presents the steps, provided for realization and especially
for extensive evaluation of pilot actions, including technical, tender, user experience and pilot site evaluation. These
steps and approaches present a solid plan leading to successful implementation of pilot actions.
The execution of pilot actions is a long-term process, which requires a sufficient time as well as an adequate
knowledge and skills of stakeholders beside their willingness to participate. These aspects should not be overlooked
What problems/ when preparing a methodology as it can lead to a “bad” methodology, which is not yielding the expected results.
issues were In planning the necessary steps for pilot methodology, several unforeseen situations (such as revision of tenders,
bidder appeal, etc.) can occur, resulting in prolonging the activities. A solid methodology should consider aspects
associated with the like these and provide a mitigation plan. Additionally, incorporating a common methodology, deriving from different
best practice? national legalisation and level of stakeholder’s knowledge, and adding also the cultural diversity, can be a very
challenging task, so a good compromise should always be considered between providing “fit all” and “too general”
methodology.
Based on a GRASPINNO pilot methodology, 13 pilots were successfully executed in 5 different countries, involving
both public and private stakeholders. Pilot methodology was very useful for various energy refurbishment actions,
What is the success which were carried out, from replacement of windows, joinery, lighting, air-conditioning, installation of photovoltaic
plan, net metering contracted PV roofs and also general infrastructure intervention. Based on pilot methodology,
of the best practice? the results and knowledge obtained through pilots in one country could be systematically transferred across
Mediterranean area, thus enabling its transnational replication effectiveness. Developing a common pilot strategy
that is replicated across pilot sites enables strong transnational learning and joint development options.
GRASPINNO D3.1.2 Pilot Action Plans
More information GRASPINNO D3.10.6. Overall evaluation report on the pilots
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1.2. OTHER BEST PRACTICES
1.2.1. A METHODOLOGY FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING
REFURBISHMENT
Best practice title A METHODOLOGY FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING REFURBISHMENT
Year 2015
Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI)
Department of Architecture,
Contact person:
Point of contact Built Environment and Construction Engineering
Marta Maria Sesana
ABC-Via Ponzio 31
20133 Milan
A Methodology for Energy Efficient Building Refurbishment (MEEBR) has been identified and tested on two
case studies, the first at Politecnico di Milano campus, and the second located in the Università degli Studi di
Milano (UNIMI) campus. These analyses were carried out using numerical simulations with consideration on
the increasing important role of the software that also plays an important role in the early design phase of the
refurbishment building design process. The overall process of the Methodology for Energy Efficiency Building
Refurbishment (MEEBR) was structured into four major phases:
A short description
• Project set up and pre-retrofit survey,
• Performance assessment,
• Identification of retrofit options,
• Validation and verification.
GRASPINNO
thematic area
GRASPINNO partners Regional public authority
Target group Infrastructure and public (service) provider National public authority
Local public authority SMEs
Campus sustainability presents a global issue that concerns university policy makers and planners as a result of
the realization of the impacts, the activities and operations that universities have on the environment. The higher
Why was the best
educational sector has discovered that its activities and physical structures can have a significant impact on the
practice used? environment and have started devising ways to organize the activities and recognize and reduce their adverse
effects on the environment.
The MEEBR is a systematic methodology that can be adapted step by step considering the refurbishment target,
What are the the economic feasibility and buildability since the beginning of the refurbishment design process. The whole
building retrofit with comprehensive energy simulation, economic analysis and risk assessment is an effective
benefits of best
approach to identify the best refurbishment solution. The experience on MEEBR application shows that case
practice? studies like these can help increase consideration of the integrated research approach and improve sustainability
performance in historical buildings, considering also the user’s participation at a university campus.
What problems/ The accuracy and reliability of the analysis depends on the quality and consistency of data inputs from a range
issues were of data sources. Care should be taken to integrate the timing and base assumptions used for each of these
associated with the distinct analyses, since all the information is needed in order to make the decision. Any analysis gaps will skew
best practice? the results.
MEEBR approach outlines generic steps, recommendations and factors that can contribute to the success of
an energy efficient retrofit regardless of the specific feature the building and to the potential replicability of
What is the success the methodology. MEEBR application, with the overview on building refurbishment methodologies, shows that
of the best practice? case study examples can help to increase consideration of the integrated research approach and improve
sustainability performance in historical buildings considering also the user’s participation at a university campus.
Refurbishment is the most effective solution in case of a building stock with historical and architectural value.
Marta Maria Sesana Manuela Grecchi Graziano Salvalai Caterina Rasica: Methodology of energy efficient building
More information refurbishment: Application on two university campus-building case studies in Italy with engineering students.
Journal of Building Engineering. Volume 6, June 2016, p. 54-64.
19
1.2.2. GRASPINNO PILOT METHODOLOGY
GRASPINNO PILOT METHODOLOGY FOR REALIZATION OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Best practice title
INTERVENTIONS IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS
Year 2010-2013
ACCIONA CONSTRUCCION SA
Contact person:
Point of contact Avenida De Europa 18 Parque Empresarial
Miguel Angel París Torres
28108 Alcobendas
Within the project OPEN HOUSE a common European transparent building assessment methodology
was developed to complement the existing ones for planning and constructing sustainable
buildings by means of an open approach and technical platform. The OPEN HOUSE methodology
uses a bottom-up approach and covers 56 qualitative and quantitative indicators from existing
A short description
international and European assessment methodologies and systems. These indicators are listed in
6 categories and are connected to all life-cycle stages of a building: product stage, construction
process, use stage and end-of-life stage. The OPEN HOUSE methodology is available in two steps,
as “basic and quick sustainability assessment” and as a “complete assessment”.
GRASPINNO
Green assessment
thematic area
GRASPINNO partners

Target group
SMEs
The OPEN HOUSE methodology has been developed after the analyses of existing methodologies
from European / International and existing standards from ISO TC 59/SC 17, as well as CEN/TC
Why was the best
350. The analysis of existing assessment processes reveals a lack for a user-friendly and free tool
practice used?
to be used for assessment of the sustainability of buildings. OPEN HOUSE baseline was developed
to provide a common framework and evaluate the sustainable performance of buildings.
The methodology enabled architects, engineers and owners to assess the sustainability of their
buildings in a simple and reliable way and provide methods for improvement. The methodology
What are the has harmonised rating tools for sustainable building and developed a common assessment
benefits of best methodology. The assessment tool and created guidelines found to be helpful and user friendly as
practice? they facilitated the building assessment. The whole construction sector, together with policymakers
and standardisation bodies, have been provided with effective instrument for boosting green
business and policies.
The core assumption of the approach is that there is little chance for any assessment methodology
What problems/ to become mainstream and reach the “label” level, unless it is something that has been developed
issues were in a transparent, collective way. Only EU wide discussion towards a common approach will produce
associated with the an EU wide assessment methodology for sustainable buildings contributing to current activities on
best practice? standardisation of assessment methodologies at European level and also to a European potential
related standard.
The methodology provided a transparent approach able to emerge collectively in an open way
across the EU. This approach was communicated with all stakeholders. Their interaction and
What is the success influence on the methodology were assured in a democratic way. Existing standards formed the
of the best practice? baseline (both CEN/TC 350 and ISO TC59/SC17), the EPBD Directive and its national transpositions
and methodologies for assessing building sustainability at international, European and national
level.
WEBSITE: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/rcn/93875/factsheet/en
More information
OPEN HOUSE D5.1. Baseline model and assessment methodology
20
2. APPROACHES FOR INCREASING KNOWLEDGE
AND R&I COMPETENCES
Different approaches can and should be used to increase the knowledge, research and
innovation competences of various stakeholders. The most effective approaches to assist
PAs, SMEs and policy makers in field of energy refurbishment of buildings, were approaches
that stimulate stakeholders to be actively engaged in the actions and not only gain new
knowledge, innovation and research capacities but also co-create common knowledge,
solutions, recommendations, etc.

The field of green energy and green growth is a vast area, and transfer and co-creation of new
knowledge is a very challenging activity, due to time and human resource restriction. Through an
(organisational) approach, such as Living Labs, stakeholders are stimulated to develop and integrate
innovation and research in favour of green energy and growth. The mentioned best practice (presented
in 2.1.1 GRASPINNO Living Labs) was found very successful as it has brought various benefits to
PAs, SMEs and Policy Makers in form of co-creation of novel solutions, strengthened cooperation in
form of different types of partnerships, provided possibilities to exchange experiences, develop and
promote innovative products to better understand energy management, to co-create innovative
measures and policy recommendations, and to develop positive attitude towards green (sustainable)
growth.
Additionally, also transferring activities have been very useful to transfer knowledge and tools for
eco-innovations to SMEs. The latter have gained information and tools to adopt eco-technologies
and eco-innovations, available financial tools and green tenders. The SMEs have worked towards
significantly strengthening research, technological development and innovation. By doing so, SMEs
enhanced their competitiveness (more information on the best practice is available in the 2.1.2
GRASPINNO transferring knowledge).
Through series of capitalisation workshops and other activities also enhancement of PAs knowledge
and competences for energy refurbishment was addressed. Due to current level of knowledge and
expertise of PAs in the field of energy refurbishment and green public procurement, there is a need
to inform, train and educate PAs on available financial tools in grant building refurbishment and on
SEAPs. Series of capitalization events led to increased knowledge and experience of PAs, assisting
them in defining the strategic elements for elaboration of policy recommendations (more information
on best practice is available in 2.1.3 GRASPINNO capitalizing knowledge).
21
2.1.1. GRASPINNO LIVING LABS
LIVING LABS AS A SIMULATOR OF OPEN INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM, INTEGRATING

Best practice title
RESEARCH AND INNOVATION PROCESS IN FAVOUR OF GREEN ENERGY AND GREEN GROWTH
Year 2018
University of Maribor -
Contact person:
Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transportation
Marksel Maršenka
Point of contact Engineering and Architecture
marsenka.marksel@um.si
Smetanova ul. 17
+386 2 22 94 393
2000 Maribor
The Living Lab (LL) presents a specific trend in open innovation approaches enabling co-creation
of novel user-oriented solutions. Its role is likewise deployed within GRASPINNO, where they
integrate R&I processes and create a user-oriented open innovation ecosystem to strengthen
transnational cooperation and networking among existing clusters and networks of green energy
market eco-innovation. The 7 GRASPINNO Living Labs were established in 6 different countries
(Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Spain, Cyprus and Bosnia and Herzegovina) and consist of different
A short description actors, such as SMEs, clusters of SMEs, innovative companies, Public Authorities (PAs), decision
and policy makers, Business Angels, mentors. They are addressing different areas, such as green
public procurement, green funding, green policy, and electricity consumption, with a common aim
- to co-create new solutions and to transfer knowledge for greener sustainable growth. The main
goal of all GRASPINNO LLs is to transfer the knowledge obtained within the project’s pilot actions
and to exchange experiences or concerns for green growth, especially including end-users, thus
setting the base for further actions.
GRASPINNO
Decision support instrument
thematic area
GRASPINNO partners

Target group
SME
Living Labs were established to address the challenge of developing effective energy management
solutions by improving the capacity of both public and private sector on eco-innovation solutions
Why was the best
by adopting Living Lab methodology that enables co-creation of novel user-oriented solutions.
practice used?
Living Lab approach, implemented in GRASPINNO, aims at changing the stance of actors and civil
society toward green sustainable growth.
The establishment of GRASPINNO LLs brought benefits to PAs, SMEs and Policy Makers in form
of co-creating novel solutions, strengthening cooperation and/or in form of different types of
partnership, possibilities to exchange experiences, to develop and promote innovative products, to
understand energy management, to co-create innovative measures and policy recommendations,
and to develop positive attitude towards green (sustainable) growth.
• The highest share of LL members (around 35 %) strongly agreed that LLs can improve PAs
knowledge or understanding of energy management and can develop or implement effective
What are the measures.
benefits of best
practice?
• Approximately 26 % of stakeholders strongly agree that LLs enable exchanging experiences
or concerns for green growth. The same share strongly agreed that influence of LLs has a
positive impact on green sustainable growth.
• Approximately 90 % of stakeholders agree that LLs enable an exchange of experiences

or concerns for green growth, and 88 % of stakeholders agree that PAs can benefit from
different types of partnership in the field of green refurbishment of their buildings and green
public procurement.
22
LIVING LABS AS A SIMULATOR OF OPEN INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM, INTEGRATING
Best practice title
RESEARCH AND INNOVATION PROCESS IN FAVOUR OF GREEN ENERGY AND GREEN GROWTH
Year 2018
What problems/ Several potential problems have been identified that have jeopardized or slow down the process
issues were of the LLs’ implementation and their sustainability, such as lack of stakeholders’ knowledge and
associated with the experienced personnel, readiness to invest in financial and human resources, short available times
best practice? for establishment of LLs , lack of willingness to actively participate, etc.
Within the GRASPINNO LLs, GRASPINNO tools, such as e-GPP tool, e-GPP platform, LCC tool, and
others were tested and upgraded, while several different guidelines were developed. From the
starting phase of connecting stakeholders in GRASPINNO Living Labs, throughout LLs phases of
education and training, implementation, improvement and evaluation, several challenges were
encountered, which have led to valuable lessons learned. Based on knowledge and experience,
gained in GRASPINNO LLs, certain general and specific recommendations were made for future
What is the success successful implementation of LLs in the fields similar to green public procurement, energy
of the best practice? management and refurbishment, especially if related to engagement of public stakeholders. For
various reasons the majority of stakeholders expressed a positive attitude toward Living Lab
participation and would welcome the opportunity to continue with their involvement or would
be interested to participate in different LLs. Most of them would also recommend participation
in LLs to others, mostly to public authorities and small and medium-size enterprises. The main
reasons for future cooperation lie in increased knowledge on GPP/e-GPP, funding possibilities,
green market, eco-innovations, regulations and case studies on energy savings.
GRASPINNO D4.1. Report on Living Labs
More information GRASPINNO D4.2 Findings from Living Labs
23
2.1.2. GRASPINNO TRANSFERRING KNOWLEDGE
TRANSFERRING KNOWLEDGE AND TOOLS FOR ECO-INNOVATIONS TO STRENGTHEN SMES

Best practice title
RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATIONS
Year 2019
University of Patras Contact person:

Research Committee, markwnna@gmail.com
Ktirio A, Panepistimioupoli, Rio +30 6978842158
26504 Patras
Point of contact
Government of Zenica-Doboj Canton Contact person:

Department
Projects for Development and International Salih Alispahic
Kucukovici 2 salih.alispahic@zdk.ba
72000 Zenica +387 32 460 634
Transfer seminars were organized to transfer the knowledge, know-how and expertise of
GRASPINNO technical team, external legal/financial experts, and business support actors for
training SMEs and clusters of SMEs. Participants were trained to interact and exchange ideas,
perspectives and inputs, in order to:
1. Provide SMEs with information and tools to adopt eco-technologies and eco-innovations
in relation to the list of interventions, needed in the field of public building retrofitting, as
A short description
indicated in the SEAPs;
2. Provide SMEs with information on available financial tools to finance the realization of public
building refurbishment interventions;
3. Provide SMEs with information and tools to participate in green tenders (e-GPP or GPP
procedures).
GRASPINNO
thematic area
GRASPINNO partners
Target group
SME
Why was the best Through transfer seminars capitalization of the methodology for GPP, use of the GRASPINNO tool,
practice used? results and lessons learnt were showcased – through pilots, best practices and green policies.
What are the The impact of transfer seminars on local and regional SMEs plays a beneficial role in improving
benefits of best their services and solutions and cooperates in satisfying PAs needs on Energy Efficiency in
practice? public buildings.
What problems/
issues were The main difficulty was to find local SMEs ready to prepare interventions and available financing
associated with the tools.
best practice?
Transfer events have strengthened research, technological development and innovation of SMEs
What is the success
and thus enhanced their competitiveness. It raised awareness of the procedures of Green Public
Procurements and energy Efficiency Measures.
GRASPINNO D5.3.1 Transfer seminar for SMEs

More information
24
2.1.3. GRASPINNO TRANSFERRING KNOWLEDGE
CAPITALIZATION WORKSHOPS FOR PAS TO ENHANCE KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCES FOR

Best practice title
ENERGY REFURBISHMENT
Year 2019
University of Patras
Contact person:
Marousi Konstantina
Research Committee
markwnna@gmail.com
Ktirio A, Panepistimioupoli, Rio
+30 6978842158
26504 Patras
Point of contact
Government of Zenica-Doboj Canton
Contact person:
Department for Development
Salih Alispahic:
and International Projects
salih.alispahic@zdk.ba
Kucukovici 2
+387 32 460 634
72000 Zenica
Capitalization workshops were organized to capitalize knowledge and expertise on energy

refurbishment, methodology for GPP, GRASPINNO tool, results and lessons learnt through
pilots, best practices and green policies. The workshops target PAs, especially policy makers
A short description and public institutions (council members, assessors, directors and board of directors of partners
institutions, officials), while also including general audience (citizens) through the participation
of local/regional/national associations that are active in areas, such as energy consumption,
energy efficiency, and other topics related to eco-innovation.
GRASPINNO
thematic area
Sectoral agency (APEA Siena)

Target group
SME
General public
Why was the best Best practice was used to inform, train and educate PAs on available financial tools in grant
practice used? building refurbishment and on SEAPs.
The events enable capitalisation of main knowledge and experience, thus assisting PAs in
defining the strategic elements for the elaboration of policy recommendations. The events also
What are the
include the citizens by giving them a possibility to express their point of view. Such events
benefits of best
contribute to improving or re-designing effective policy for eco-innovation in green energy,
practice?
while addressing technical and non-technical barriers, hindering growth in green energy and
energy refurbishment of public buildings in MED area.
What problems/
The identification of the right decision-makers and technical public officers for the workshops was
issues were
pivotal for the success of the event. In some cases this identification was rather demanding and
associated with the
the participation of such authorities could not be guaranteed.
best practice?
The knowledge, capitalized among PAs, has an impact on several policies, such as Energy Efficiency,
Energy technology and Innovation, Energy and Sustainable development with supporting the shift
What is the success
towards a low-carbon economy in all sectors while preserving and protecting the environment
and promoting resource efficiency. The key findings from the capitalization events will be used for
development of policy recommendations.
GRASPINNO D5.3.2 Capitalizations workshops for Public Authorities

More information
25
2.2.1. ENERGY VIRTUOUS LIVING LAB
ENERGY VIRTUOUS LIVING LAB FOR IMPLEMENTING EUROPEAN DIRECTIVES ON

Best practice title
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES, ENERGY USE AND SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY SYSTEM
Year 2011-2014
EUROSPORTELLO – UNIONCAMERE DEL VENETO Contact person:
Point of contact Via delle Industrie 19/D Michela Bergamin
30175 Venezia +39 041 0999411
Energy Virtuous Living Labs (EVLL) aim to create a network of Living Labs in the cross-border
territory between Italy and Slovenia, where different private and public subject can interact
and experiment with innovative applications and solutions, focused on energy from renewable
resources, energy saving and sustainable forms of mobility. The network focuses on promotion
A short description
of virtuous behaviour in energy production and use and wishes to become a large-scale
laboratory, where an extensive network of parties, like SMEs, innovation centres, etc. would
meet and interact in the joint-creation of innovative solutions and provide valid encouragement
for the diffusion of eco-friendly development partnership initiatives.
GRASPINNO
Networking tools
thematic area
GRASPINNO partners
Target group Regional public authority
SME
The networking tool was used for implementation of 6 pilot actions as to experiment innovative
applications and solutions, based on used energy from renewable sources, energy saving and
Why was the best sustainable mobility methods. Network promotes the interaction of its members with incubation
practice used? facilities in its geographical scope, deepening the cooperation with the national and local institutions
to enhance the synergy between the network and incubators for the creation of new businesses
and the growth of the incubated start-up.
Living Lab approach can successfully implement the active involvement of relevant stakeholders
in achieving a set goal of EU to become a low-carbon economy and creating healthy living
What are the environment. LL approach enables creation and demonstration of innovative cost-efficient
benefits of best ways for communicating the relevance of the European industry sectors and their products
practice? for a sustainable bio-economy with stakeholders. The added value of EVLL are the synergies
between participating countries, stakeholders and institution and the knowledge transfer on
energy efficiency.
Suitable models for the single EVLL were defined together with their implementation in the cross-
border area. The activities were then evaluated at local and cross-border level. The comparative
What is the success
evaluation of programmes and pilot results was used for sharing common cross-border policies,
for the repeatability and diffusion of the EVLL model in other areas. The sustainable operations of
EVLL can considerably contribute to EU targets, like Roadmap2050, Waste directive, etc.
More information WEBSITE: http://www.energyvillab.net/the-project/
26
2.2.2. CEPPI LIVING LAB
CEPPI LIVING LAB ESTABLISHING A FLEXIBLE FRAMEWORK FOR ENERGY INNOVATION

Best practice title
PROCUREMENT
Year 2015-2018
Birmingham City Council Contact person:
Point of contact 1 Lancaster Circus Hasan Wazir
Birmingham, UK info@ceppi.eu
The energy focus for most public sector organisations has, to date, largely concerned energy
efficiency, delivering both cost and carbon savings benefits, and the adoption of renewable
energy, where economically possible. The new energy systems coming into place are more
agile and diverse than their larger, more uniform predecessors and reveal a wider range of
costs and benefits. Although they require specific knowledge, skills and experience to be
A short description implemented through energy innovative procurement. To achieve these, the CEPPI Living
Lab approach was used to provide training of procurement officers, launch of public tenders
with energy efficiency specifications, and engagement with suppliers and PAs to analyse,
which innovative solutions could be applied. Within the LL, the Flexible Framework for Energy
Innovation Procurement (EIP) was developed to address the need for PAs to create the
framework conditions for EIP.
GRASPINNO
thematic area
GRASPINNO partners

Target group
SME
Best practice was used to build CEPPI Living Lab on established relationships between participating
cities, which were mentored (by leading PPI and sustainable energy experts) through an action
Why was the best
learning process that had built the short-term knowledge and PPI capacity to significantly reduce
practice used?
annual energy consumption and provide strategic direction to become both procurement and
technological leaders for sustainable, energy-efficient cities.
Flexible Framework for Energy Innovation provides a practical organisational development

What are the tool for PAs to support them in taking a positive and progressive role in energy transition. The
benefits of best framework can help PAs to progress from a focus on internal operations and energy efficiency
practice? and enabling innovation, to embracing their role as leaders for energy transition and market
transformation. It can be used to bring specific actions that will drive the process into focus.
Sometimes innovation procurement approaches can prove difficult to implement due to several
factors, such as political changes and time pressures. However, solutions can always be found to
What problems/
support innovation in the procurement process, such as using an outcome-based specification,
issues were
providing “direction of travel” messages to indicate future needs to suppliers, or implementing
associated with the
progressive standards and targets, all of which can encourage innovation. Introducing new and
best practice?
unfamiliar innovation approaches in procurements of high value and visibility is often perceived
as difficult and risky.
The Living Labs proved to be a rich learning environment. They brought to light important insights
into the day-to-day reality of pubic administrations, the complex inter-play between policies and
procurement and different departments, the timescales over which public organisations operate,
What is the success
and the barriers and issues that are encountered in trying to bring about organisational change.
The most significant learning was the importance, and indeed necessity, to prepare the ground for
the adoption of new and unfamiliar procurement approaches, creating the framework conditions
for innovation and energy transition.
CEPPI Final Case Study Report

More information
WEBSITE: http://www.ceppi.eu/home/
27
3. APPROACHES FOR INCREASING FUNDING
AND POLICY IMPROVEMENTS
Funding opportunities for energy refurbishment are generally very limited and not very
well known to potential beneficiaries, such as PAs and SMEs. Transferring knowledge on
funding possibilities and increasing necessary skills of stakeholders is one of the essential
keys to enable their stronger participation in financial markets and to provide new financial
solutions for energy refurbishment interventions. Alongside, the change on the policy
level is also necessary. Thus, several recommendations providing new policy measures
and legalisation can significantly improve the execution of green public procurement and
energy refurbishment of buildings.

Through the Living Lab operation and by involving experienced mentors and clusters, the funding
mechanisms and opportunities were communicated to SMEs and PAs and together new approaches
for funding and mentoring were developed. Within the best practice several innovative financing
procedures, new funding practices, proposal of new public services, training materials, etc. were
developed for promotion of the green solutions (e.g. eco-innovative solutions, energy efficiency, and
renewable energy sources) (more information can be found in 3.1.1 Green fund Living Labs).
While preparation of SEAP (Sustainable Energy Action Plan) is very common these days, only few of
these plans were achieved in terms of sustainable development at local level. Preparation of SEAP
requires certain knowledge, expertise and among all, a “smart” approach. The application of smart
SEAP provides economies of scale and enables wider implementation (not solely based on voluntary,
but also on the biding aspect), which makes it a good example of best practice. The smart SEAP
has the ability to measure economic and environmental results and introduce additional financial
resources through Private Public Partnership (more information can be found in 3.1.2 Increasing
knowledge on smart SEAP).
Beside the funding aspect, a wider implementation of actions is also conditioned with appropriate
policy measures and legalisation set in place. A series of practical recommendations were found
necessary for regional, national and European decision-makers, in order to support the translation
of GRASPINNO results into regional, national and EU policies, influencing key stakeholders in the
domains of e-GPP and green building energy refurbishment. Mainstreaming relevant, effective and
sustainable results brought an added value to existing measures and policies, which yield considerable
energy savings (more information is available in 3.1.3 Mainstreaming GRASPINNO innovations).
29
3.1.1. GREEN FUND LIVING LABS
INCREASING KNOWLEDGE ON FUNDING AND MENTORING POSSIBILITIES TO DEVELOP

Best practice title TAILORED SCHEMES AND PARTNERSHIPS FOR EFFICIENT ENERGY REFURBISHMENT OF
BUILDINGS (A LIVING LAB APPROACH)
Year 2018
Contact person:
Green Fund Living Lab
Marousi Konstantina
markwnna@gmail.com
+30 6978842158
Research Committee,
26504 Patras
Green Fund and Green Policy Living Lab Contact person:
Mountain Community Alto Basento Coronato Rocco

Point of contact
(Program Area Basento Bradano rocco.coronato@rete.basilicata.it
Camastra)
Via Maestri del Lavoro, 11
85100 Potenza
RISE PUBLIC Contact person:
Veneto region - Energy Department Angelo Mason
Palazzo Balbi Dorsoduro 3901 Angelo.Mason@regione.veneto.it
30123 Venice +39412795751
By addressing funding topics within GRASPINNO LLs, Green Fund Living Lab (Greece),
Green Fund and Green Policy Living Lab (Italy) and RISE PUBLIC (Italy) several funding and
mentoring mechanism opportunities for green growth were identified and promoted to be used
by SMEs and PAs. For the SMEs needs coaching, mentoring and funding services were identified
in order to stimulate their participation in innovation and green energy refurbishment of public
businesses. For PAs the identification of existing financial tools, types of partnership, possible
A short description financial interventions to establish energy management, green refurbishment of buildings and
green procurement procedures, and mentoring was carried out. Through different Living Labs,
participants had a chance to discuss potential solutions and pre-existing mechanisms. They
also investigated the possibility to propose new reallocations of the funds according to the
development of the innovative/green products. Several organisations were invited to participate
in order to stimulate dialogue and find/ propose a common route to exploit potential benefits
for the group of stakeholders.
GRASPINNO
thematic area
GRASPINNO partners

Target group
SME
Although several public and private funding mechanisms and opportunities for the eco-innovation
actions in energy refurbishment exist, most PAs and SMEs are not aware of them. Moreover, the
Why was the best funding opportunities are generally limited. Through the Living Lab operation and by involving
practice used? experienced mentors and clusters, the funding mechanisms and opportunities were communicated
to SMEs and PAs. With their cooperation new approaches for funding and mentoring were
developed.
30
INCREASING KNOWLEDGE ON FUNDING AND MENTORING POSSIBILITIES TO DEVELOP
Best practice title TAILORED SCHEMES AND PARTNERSHIPS FOR EFFICIENT ENERGY REFURBISHMENT OF
BUILDINGS (A LIVING LAB APPROACH)
Year 2018
With the transfer of knowledge on funding and mentoring mechanisms, SMEs and PAs did not
only raise awareness on existing mechanisms but were actively engaged in the improvement
process of found solutions and encouraged to provide feedback for adoption of solutions to their
actual needs. Their ideas, needs and revisions contributed to the development of final guidelines.
Initially proposed guidelines and tools for funding and mentoring mechanisms for green solutions
were upgraded with improvements from SMEs and PAs and especially improvements from experts
that have the knowledge on mentioned good practices, funding solutions and legislation. The
involved stakeholders improved their knowledge on environmental questions, green criteria and
GPP. The collaboration yielded several good results, such as:
• introduction of innovative financing procedures (Public and Private Partnership) and

preparation of specific recommendations for public and private players;
• promotion of green and smart growth in rural areas by introducing new public services (e.g.
What are the energy management, e-GPP) and boosting cooperation between local institutions.
benefits of best
• very thorough knowledge of the local stakeholders’ needs, which enables them to achieve a
practice?
clear vision of the strategies, opportunities and potential actions to be implemented in the
field of EE and RES.
• development of training materials for funding and mentoring, including good practices and
schemes for green energy refurbishment of public buildings with eco-innovative products.
• connection of SMEs and PAs with experts in green funds, not only on a national level but also
on the European level.
• new funding practice (Internal Contracting), which has been piloted through the project
Energy Cities.
• development of guidelines for funding and mentoring mechanisms and best practices for
promoting green solutions (e.g. eco-innovative solutions, energy efficiency, renewable
energy sources).
Transferring knowledge through several events and by including a wide variety audience can be
What problems/
a time-consuming activity. It also requires response from stakeholders, which can be difficult
issues were
to gain sometimes due to short amount of time, financial or other personal restrictions. Due to
associated with the
limited financial resources, participation on such events with an active role (sharing knowledge
best practice?
and experience) is made voluntarily.
Throughout the collaboration stakeholders gained and jointly developed funding and mentoring
mechanism for green growth. It can be noted that majority of stakeholders (prior collaboration)
declared that they have fair knowledge on funding topics, although majority of them manage
procurement topics in their organization. The bigger success of the collaboration was the significant
improvement of stakeholders’ knowledge in different funding and mentoring related topics.
What is the success It can be noted that after collaboration a higher share of stakeholders claimed to have a better
of the best practice? knowledge on national and European funding mechanisms for eco-innovations and energy
refurbishment of buildings, funding opportunities in energy market and good practices on funding
(the share of stakeholders raised from previous 0 – 5 % to 40 – 50 %). Additionally, stakeholders
have gained excellent knowledge in several topics; beside before mentioned also in application
requirements and procedures for funding, latest funding opportunities, new financial mechanisms
for green refurbishment and energy management, and new types of partnerships for eco-
innovations.
GRASPINNO D4.1. Report on Living Labs
More information GRASPINNO D4.2 Findings from Living Labs
31
3.1.2. INCREASING KNOWLEDGE ON SMART SEAP
INCREASING KNOWLEDGE OF PAS ON SEAP EFFICIENCY THROUGH A SMART APPLICATION

Best practice title
METHOD
Year 2018
Contact person:
Terre di Siena Lab
Bucciarelli Alessio
Point of contact Piazza Duomo 9
bucciarelli@terredisienalab.it
53100 SIENA
+39 3483649022
Within GRASPINNO project a set of methods for developing smart SEAP were established in form
of training materials and training models. While the preparation and signing of a SEAP is not so
rare, only very few of these plans were achieved in terms of sustainable development at the local
level. This was a clear call for the need to establish a smart application of SEAP. The application
of SEAP is considered smart, when it enables:
a. economies of scale, e.g. when the participation of several municipalities in the SEAP drafting
does not necessarily imply more work compared to the need to provide data for a single local
A short description administration of a province, and when,
b. biding some aspects of SEAP, as an effective approach to achieve real results in terms of
reduction of energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
The method for smart application of the Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP) was implemented
at the Siena Province, while having the potential to be transferable as it is possible to apply it in
other territorial contexts with some modifications.
GRASPINNO
Energy environmental analysis
thematic area
GRASPINNO partners
If no national/regional strong normative constraints exist for typology of buildings, the effectiveness of SEAP as
Why was the best
a voluntary plan is quite low. Therefore, to achieve greater effectiveness of SEAP, a compulsory GPP for EE/RES
practice used? in buildings needs to be established and SEPA needs to be transformed from voluntary to biding basis.
A good application of a SEAP provides great benefits for the communities. SEAP is a plan, signed by
What are the a municipality, but its benefits concern PAs, private sector (enterprises, citizens) and also the local
environment. The smart SEAP can create relevant economies of scale and reduce the costs for the analysis.
benefits of best
In addition, SEAP offers a further advantage compared to a vast certification system because it is perfectly
practice? integrated in a European sustainable policy, where financial tools, possible actions and measures are well
defined, even if the average size of rural municipalities doesn’t fit with the available tools effectively.
So far, SEAP has been a simple tool, which had a little impact on the emission reduction due to its voluntary
What problems/ nature. It can contribute to assigning contents of real political actions, so it is crucial to consider, in which SEAP
issues were becomes an effective tool of governance. The introduction of GPP in the planned activity couldn’t be enough
associated with the to transform the plan in real actions and activities. Every SEAP has to be transformed from a voluntary plan to
best practice? a cogent road map, even if the recent legislation on the procurement in some countries can help this change,
making GPP compulsory for EE/RES in buildings.
Peculiar application of SEAP can be positive in economic and environmental terms also, if applied to other
territorial contexts. The smart application of SEAP is an important contribution to the planning phase by giving
an opportunity to measure economic and environmental results and introduce additional financial resources
What is the success through Private Public Partnerships. The smart application of SEAP method is independent of the geographical
of the best practice? context, in which it is applied and can be fully or partially implemented in different territorial areas. Beyond the
means and the available territorial resources, the system is completely modular and can be completed in several
stages. This means that the management of activities can be organized in different steps, according to financial
instruments available at the time of the implementation.
WEBSITE: http://www.graspinno.eu
More information GRASPINNO: 4.3.1 Training material for GRASPINNO Living Labs
(MODULE 3 DEVELOPING SMART SEAP)
32
3.1.3. MAINSTREAMING GRASPINNO INNOVATIONS
MAINSTREAMING GRASPINNO INNOVATIONS INTO PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR

Best practice title
EU ENERGY EFFICIENCY POLICIES
Year 2019
Contact person:
Marousi Konstantina
Point of contact Research Committee,
markwnna@gmail.com
+30 6978842158
26504 Patras
By mainstreaming activities new knowledge is being built up with the development of territorial
operational plans in energy sector and the development of policy recommendations. The
GRASPINNO results (such as knowledge produced in form of methods, tools, green specifications,
platforms, TMN, cooperation/networking facilities, smart SEAPs, etc.), were mainstreamed
beyond consortium, meaning they are publicly available as white papers and guidelines for a
wider take-up. A series of practical recommendations were developed for regional, national and
A short description European decision-makers in order to support the translation of project results into regional,
national and EU policies, influencing key stakeholders in the domains of e-GPP and green building
energy refurbishment. The implementation of such recommendations was included (and should
also be in the future) in the dialogue on EU level in order to change the voluntary approach that
has been emphasised in the Directive on Energy Efficiency 2012/27/EU to involve citizens in
their development and implementation, and to adequately inform them about their content and
progress in achieving objectives.
GRASPINNO
thematic area

It was recognized that different approaches and tools, tested and validated in GRASPINNO and
other projects, should be significantly improved by the definition of a set of policy recommendations
on the local/regional/national and European level. Mainstreaming of results was used to form
practical recommendations for policy decision makers and especially, to identify what could be
Why was the best
realized at a European level in order to ensure a long term, deep and concrete impact of the
practice used?
project activities and results on public policy at the regional/ national level. An exchange of
experience between cities, towns and other public bodies should be encouraged with respect to
the more innovative experiences, thus mainstreaming represents one of the possible approaches,
how to stimulate such an exchange.
Mainstreaming relevant, effective, and sustainable results brought an added value to existing
measures and policies. Policy makers (council members, officers, directors and boards of
directors of partners’ institutions) were trained, mentored and supported by mainstreamed
policy recommendations. They were involved as key actors since the beginning, inside and
outside the project in order to create cooperation that implements networking activities for
realising innovation. The innovations were integrated into mainstream policies, and should
influence the governance setting. Such policy recommendations can yield considerable energy
What are the savings, especially if they are implemented by energy management systems that allow the
benefits of best concerned public bodies to better manage their energy consumption.
practice?
Additionally, mainstreaming GRASPINNO results can greatly contribute to forming regional
smart specialization strategies, where each county is obliged to elaborate on its own strategy.
The mainstreaming also allows an establishment of a “transnational mutual learning arena”
for creating synergy and taking part in debates around specific policy tools (funding tools and
cluster support), with inviting representatives of the platform to workshops and conferences.
33
MAINSTREAMING GRASPINNO INNOVATIONS INTO PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
Best practice title
EU ENERGY EFFICIENCY POLICIES
Year 2019
Involving policy makers and regional/national stakeholders in decision making for formulating
What problems/
favourable policies in Energy Efficiency interventions was a strategic approach to ensure the policy
issues were
uptake. This was the essential action, while implementation of recommendations into actual
associated with the
directives, legalisation, regulations, etc., was much more challenging, both in terms of available
best practice?
time and human resources.
Mainstreaming the project results, as well as recommendations, can help to propose amendments
to the Directive EE2012/27/E and new regulations to make EE action plan systems and e-GPP
cogent in all EU countries. Recommendations to European and local/regional/national policy
makers were presented to decision makers, including mayors, presidents of regions, council
members, officials, directors and boards of directors of partners’ institutions, who were invited
What is the success to a debate with representatives of the European Commission and European Parliament, thus
of the best practice? also representing citizens at the EU level. Some mainstreamed results and outputs could be
incorporated in organization’s policy documents, mainly concerning the strategic framework
for regional development and providing additional arguments for policy choices. Raised and
mainstreamed observations can be taken into consideration for several documents, drafted
by regional/national institutions and agencies, addressing the opportunities set by the new EU
financial framework for the period 2021-2027.
WEBSITE: http://www.graspinno.eu
More information
GRASPINNO D5.4.1 Practical Recommendations based on the project capitalisation Findings
34
3.2.1. BUILD – UPON RENOVATION STRATEGIES PROVIDING POLICY AND
REGULATORY INNOVATION
BUILD – UPON RENOVATION STRATEGIES PROVIDING POLICY AND REGULATORY

Best practice title
INNOVATION
Year 2016-2017
GBC España Contact person:
Point of contact Paseo de la Castellana, 114, Emilio Miguel Mitre, Spain
28046 Madrid, Spain emilio.miguelmitre@gbce.es
Deep building renovation represents one of the single most critical tools to massively lower
Europe’s CO2 emissions, create jobs in the construction sector and improve quality of the
A short description existing built environment for the good of European citizens. One of the approaches to achieve
these goals is throughout countries’ design and implementation of long-term national strategies
for the renovation of their existing buildings and by providing policy and regulatory innovation.
GRASPINNO
thematic area
GRASPINNO partners
SME
The EU requires each country to establish a »national renovation strategy” - a long-term

strategy for renovating the nation’s homes and commercial buildings to high standards of energy
Why was the best efficiency. The absence of large-scale structured collaboration between renovation stakeholders
practice used? and initiatives means countries are not currently delivering the renovation revolution that Europe
needs. One approach is to change the way countries and people work together through cross-
sector collaboration and partnership.
Designing a collaborative community process to strategically build upon and strengthen the
existing landscape is one of the benefits associated with the best practice. The rest are a)
What are the
providing financial innovation, business model innovation, public sector, innovation, behavioural
benefits of best
innovation and b) providing close cooperation of governments and stakeholders to design
practice?
a series of national and local events across major cities to engage on key issues for the
strategies.
Success can be seen in scale-up and deepened rate of energy efficient improvements through
What is the success national renovation strategies. Renowiki tool, which is proving simple and accessible, offers a
of the best practice? quick overview of the many diverse renovation initiatives in each country (regulation, finance,
training, research, etc.).
More information WEBSITE: http://buildupon.eu/
35
3.2.2. IMPROVING POLICY INSTRUMENTS
IMPROVING POLICY INSTRUMENTS TO INCREASE ENERGY EFFICIENCY THROUGH

Best practice title
INNOVATIVE WAYS OF SUPPORTING ENERGY CONSUMERS’ BEHAVIOUR CHANGE
Year 2016-2020
Contact person:
Province of Potenza
Alessandro Attolico
Point of contact Piazza Mario Pagano
+39(0)971/417290
85100 Potenza, Italy
Alessandro.attolico@provinciapotenza.it
Many of Europe’s local actors struggle with developing targeted, implementation-oriented policies
addressing low carbon challenges, especially for energy wasting buildings. Since buildings are
A short description
responsible for 40 % of energy consumption in the EU this is a highly relevant issue in the
European context.
GRASPINNO
thematic area
GRASPINNO partners
SME
The best practice was used for development of 7 fully feasible Action Plans with the focus on
improving 7 policy instruments (5 ERDF, 2 other funds) and objective to promote the reorganization
Why was the best of territorial governance, effective local development policies and services, encourage energy
practice used? policies supporting EE and exploitation of all forms of renewable energy sources, and to support
and implement development programs in line with EU 2014/2020 strategic goals with focus on
RES in urban rehabilitation and rural development, production and infrastructures.
By implementing the action plans an enlarged circle of end-users will benefit from making
What are the
conscious decisions on energy efficiency and implementing investments using smart technologies.
benefits of best
They will be assisted by a new type of services and innovative cooperation models promoted by
practice?
local authorities.
What problems/ Priority issues related to energy policy, which were addressed within the best practice, are mainly
issues were concerned with reducing energy consumption through increasing efficiency of public and private
associated with the housing and by exploiting RES, overcoming financial difficulties of local governments by attracting
best practice? private investments, and setting new energy-management procedures in public services.
Successful implementation of the best practice’s policies requires less bureaucracy, more
What is the success
stakeholder involvement and raising of public awareness and better and smarter designed
programme procedures providing for more demand driven solutions in implementation.
More information WEBSITE: https://www.interregeurope.eu/locarbo/
36
3.2.3. ECO-INNOVATION INVESTMENTS
Best practice title DEVELOPING A SMART NETWORKING SYSTEM FOR ECO-INNOVATION INVESTMENTS
Year 2014-2016
Zabala Innovation Consulting, S.A. Contact person:
Point of contact Paseo Santxiki, 3 bis Tel. +34 945 198 000
E-31192 Mutilva (Navarra) info@zabala.es
The aim of networking system for eco-innovation investments is to extend public and private
funding sources available for eco-innovation and social innovation in Europe and also provide a
forum, dedicated to interaction between innovators and relevant investors. As eco-innovation
is a fast and growing market in EU, a network, accelerating the commercialisation of eco- and
A short description social innovation would bring economic, environmental and social benefits for both the investors
and entrepreneurs and as such, support a sustainable European economy. Networking tool will
offer support and coaching for selected entrepreneurs and SMEs to reach the stage of investor
readiness, encourage the involvement of development banks and help leverage all sources of EU
funding that could apply for eco-innovation.
GRASPINNO
Networking tool
thematic area
GRASPINNO partners
SME
Best practice was used for establishing a strategically aligned European community, focused on
the accelerated commercialization of eco-innovation and social innovation. The network provides a
uniquely integrated service across the entire innovation chain from identification and enhancement
Why was the best
of viable propositions via the development of “investor-ready” proposals through to facilitation of
practice used?
successful deals between investors and innovators. Through an online “matchmaking” platform
and during tailor-made events innovators and investors can exchange ideas, information and
advice.
The network offers qualifying innovators a range of carefully selected, publicly available self-
What are the
helping tools on how to turn an innovative idea into a successful business venture. Also, investors
benefits of best
get access to qualified, high-quality investment propositions, access to sector specific market
practice?
intelligence, and opportunities to syndicate with like-minded investors across Europe.
Probably the main barrier in the green sector is the access to finances for eco-friendly companies.
Financiers and investors tend to use the same investment rationale for eco-innovative companies
as for any other company, without accounting the added environmental value. Therefore, the
What problems/
challenge is to present a proposal of eco-innovative ideas that interest investors, based on
issues were
relevant intellectual property rights, potential large markets to purchase the innovation and
associated with the
adequate entrepreneurial skills. The lack of adequate preparation of eco-SMEs and entrepreneurs
best practice?
to be attractive for financiers and investors is one of the key challenges that they face when
seeking to access either public or private financing. It is therefore important to assess and validate
“investment readiness” as early as possible in their business development cycle.
Eco-innovation network had in less than two years of operation overseen the presentation of more
What is the success than 40 investor-ready companies to investors from within the network, out of which financial deals
of the best practice? for eight companies have been secured. Despite this success, a number of identified attractive
business opportunities still require financing.
More information WEBSITE: https://www.inneon.eu/home
37
3.2.4. ECOFUNDING
PROMOTING ECO-INNOVATION TO IMPROVE GREEN FINANCING IN EU THROUGHOUT

Best practice title
TRANSLATIONAL PLATFORM
Year 2007-2013
Consejo de Cámaras Oficiales
de Comercio, Industria, Contact person:
Servicios y Navegación de la Ana Benito Mulet

Point of contact
Comunidad Valenciana +349 63 29 59 99
Plaza Alfonso El Magnanimo, 12 Pta. 2 abenito@camarascv.org
46003 VALENCIA
Within ECOFUNDING project a single instrument for financial and consultation support was developed
in form of a transnational platform. Comprehensive platform of financial resources linked investors
and entrepreneurs and include all EU financial engineering mechanisms, innovative solutions for
A short description venture capital, private investment and the creation of public-private cooperation structures. The
platform incorporated results from other projects and policies developed in the MED area and
provide global access services for SMEs. The services offered SMEs financial simulators, project
search, search of green technology and tools to develop business plans.
GRASPINNO
Networking tool
thematic area
SME
Why was the best New structure to promote investment and access to energy and eco-innovation funds in the MED
practice used? area was necessary due to a major credit and investment crisis in Europe.
The main benefits arising were the translational platform, which provides a set of instruments
to facilitate financial management and innovation of SMEs, such as financial simulators, project
What are the search, search of green technology and supporting tools to develop business plans. It contains
benefits of best a catalogue of public and private funds including all financing resource. The SMEs were offered
practice? consulting services to facilitate the management of the services offered in the platform. Several
innovation tools were designed allowing a significant advance in the state of the art: financial self-
diagnose, bank rating calculator system and an online financial dossier.
What problems/ When defining funding possibilities it was noted that grants are dispersed while on the other side
issues were there is a high level of competition. Additionally, due to high operating and accessing conditions it
associated with the is hard to get funding there. This demotivates SMEs to apply or even show interest in any kind of
best practice? activities related to getting eco funding.
The outcome of the best practice were 10 Proposals to Improve Green Financing in the EU and
established personal and online consulting service in the 7 involved countries that has helped
What is the success
more than 100 SMEs to know the existing financing public aids and private products for green
business and sustainable development by helping them to draft their business plan, financing
plan, meet investors, participate in B2B events, etc.
More information WEBSITE: http://www.programmemed.eu/index.php?id=5175&L=1
38
4. TOOLS FOR ENERGY REFURBISHMENT OF
BUILDINGS
Several assessment tools can be considered an example of best practices, when performing
the energy refurbishment of public buildings, leading to environmental and economic
savings.

The e-GPP (electronic green public procurement) tool, developed in the GRASPINNO project, had
a positive effect on the public and private sector participation in electronic green public procurement
procedures. While the tool offered PAs an easy way to gather green specifications that can be used
during tender preparation, it also stimulated SMEs to actively respond to public tenders with their
green products and services. Two best practices, which take up on the use of e-GPP tool, refer to
more efficient implementation of green criteria in tenders by PAs with use of electronic green public
procurement tool (e-GPP) (presented in the 4.1.1 Electronic green public procurement tool (e-GPP)
for PAs) and wider participation of SMEs on green energy market through use of public procurement
tool (e-GPP) (presented in the 4.1.2 Electronic green public procurement tool (e-GPP) for SMEs).
The second tool used in the project was the LCC (Life Cycle Cost) tool, which helps the PAs to
correctly interpret the results of a “green” contract from an economic point of view, while carrying
out specific evaluations of different products on one hand and enables precise economic and
environmental consideration on procurement cycle prior the finalisation of procurement on the other.
Two best practices have been recognized, the first improving the quality of PAs procurement for
energy refurbishment of buildings with the use of ex-ante LCC tool (presented in 4.1.3 Ex-ante LCC
tool) and the second evaluation of PAs procurement through the use of ex-post LCC tool (presented
in 4.1.4 Ex-post LCC tool).
39
4.1.1. ELECTRONIC GREEN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT TOOL (E-GPP) FOR PAS
EFFICIENT IMPLEMENTATION OF GREEN CRITERIA IN TENDERS BY USING AN ELECTRONIC

Best practice title
GREEN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT TOOL (E-GPP) FOR PAS
Year 2017-2018
Contact person:
Marousi Konstantina
markwnna@gmail.com
+30 6978842158
26504 Patras
PAs used GRASPINNO electronic public procurement tool (e-GPP) for creation and publication of
the required documents for public tenders. The tool allows PAs to collect green specifications for
tender preparation easily. The green specifications, considered within the tool, are: a) Energy
A short description
efficiency (building renovation, IT equipment, building climate control, public lighting) and b)
Renewable energy (geothermal, solar, wind). Registered users from Public Authorities (PAs) could
easily prepare a Tender Package (TIP) in line with green criteria specifications.
GRASPINNO
Green assessment
thematic area
The adoption of electronic public procurement system in a greater transparency contributes to

the public money expenses in the creation of an integrated market, in the open access to bidding
information, in the faster processing and evaluation of tenders, in the reduction of bureaucracy
Why was the best and costs for the acquisition/supply of products/services. This means that if an e-procurement
practice used? system is generalized savings up to 5 % of the public expenditure and up to 50 - 80 % of
transaction costs for both, the buyers (Public Sector) and their suppliers, can be achieved. The
use of e-GPP was promoted among PAs to educate them on the use of potential electronic public
procurement tools and to stimulate them to be more actively involved in e-procurement system.
The e-GPP tool encourages, educates and qualifies PAs for more efficient use of legalisation on
What are the green public procurement (focused on energy refurbishment of public building) by allowing them
benefits of best to prepare the electronic tender packages. The e-procurement system enables PAs to execute
practice? their procurement procedures more efficiently, easily and with less time spent compared to regular
(hard copy) public procurement.
Difficulties that arose during the implementation of e-GPP tool was the lack of technical skills
What problems/ for new ICT tools and also the lack of engineering skills for understanding the energy efficiency
issues were requirements in line with the legalisation. This mainly occurred due to the fact that municipalities
associated with the had very low or no budget for education of personnel. The difficulties also presented the changes
best practice? in legalisations regarding the green criteria and eProcurement procedures, which required
adjustments to the e-GPP tool.
Before their active use of e-GPP tool, majority of PAs (around 30 %) had poor knowledge on e-GPP
related topics. With the use of the e-GPP tool, the share of PAs with poor knowledge on electronic
What is the success
green public procurement decreased to 2 %, while share of PAs with good knowledge on e-GPP
raised from 29 % to 44 %. The share of PAs with an excellent knowledge on electronic green
public procurement had raised from previous 2 % to 13 %.
GRASPINNO D3.3.1 Report on the tools that will be used for purposes of GRASPINNO pilots;
More information GRASPINNO D3.4.1 Report on the upgrade and the parameterisation of tools_ver2
40
4.1.2. ELECTRONIC GREEN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT TOOL (E-GPP) FOR SMES
SMES PARTICIPATION ON GREEN ENERGY MARKET USING A PUBLIC PROCUREMENT TOOL

Best practice title
(E-GPP)
Year 2017-2018
Contact person:
Marousi Konstantina
markwnna@gmail.com
+30 6978842158
26504 Patras
SMEs used GRASPINNO public procurement tool (e-GPP) to submit their offers on green products/
services related to energy refurbishment of buildings. Through the tool SMEs submit their offers
by using standardized electronic forms (e-Access, e-Submission). The necessary information and
A short description administrative documents from the involved suppliers are available in the respective electronic
registry of suppliers, from which they can be easily accessed. Additionally, suppliers had the
opportunity to search for published tenders, prepared by PAs, for energy refurbishment of public
buildings.
GRASPINNO
Green assessment
thematic area

Target group
SME
The adoption of electronic public procurement system in a greater transparency contributes to the
public money expenditure in the creation of an integrated market, in the open access to bidding
information, in the faster processing and evaluation of tenders, in the reduction of bureaucracy
Why was the best and costs for the acquisition/supply of products/services. This means that if an e-procurement
practice used? system is generalized, savings up to 5 % of the public expenditure and up to 50 - 80 % of
transaction costs for both the buyers (Public Sector) and their suppliers can be achieved. The
use of e-GPP was promoted among PAs to educate them on the use of potential electronic public
procurement tools and to stimulate them to be more actively involved in e-procurement system.
What are the

The tool encourages SMEs to be more actively engaged in the electronic public procurement
benefits of best
and to offer their green products and services.
practice?
What problems/ The lack of time availability of employees at SMEs presented the main challenge in
issues were implementing the best practices due to their day-to-day business. Additional difficulties
associated with the presented the language barriers, as beta version of the tool is currently available only in
best practice? English version.
Majority of SMEs (around 39 %) had fair knowledge on e-GPP related topics before their active
use of e-GPP tool. With an active use of the e-GPP tool the share of SMEs with fair knowledge
What is the success on electronic green public procurement decreased, while the share of SMEs with a good, very
of the best practice? good and excellent knowledge increased. The share of SMEs with very good knowledge on e-GPP
increased from 11 % to 47 %, and the share of SMEs with an excellent knowledge increased from
6 % to 18 %.
D3.3.1 Report on the tools that will be used for purposes of GRASPINNO pilots,
More information Del. 3.4.1 Report on the upgrade and the parameterisation of tools_ver2
41
4.1.3. EX-ANTE LCC TOOL
IMPROVING QUALITY OF PAS PROCUREMENT FOR ENERGY REFURBISHMENT OF BUILDINGS

Best practice title
WITH THE USE OF EX-ANTE LCC TOOL
Year 2018-2019
Contact person:
Terre di Siena Lab
Bucciarelli Alessio
53100 SIENA
+39 3483649022
PAs used the LCC (Life Cycle Cost) as an ex-ante tool to help them measure the Life Cycle Cost
of products or services prior the tender closure. With the use of LCC, the product is assessed
according to the purchase price, lifespan, performance, maintenance cost, disposal cost/resale
value and externalities. The LCC tool, provided in form of excel sheets, allows the PAs to calculate
A short description
the life cycle costs and evaluates the most economical offer while considering green energy relevant
criteria. The LCC tool was developed in line with the requirements of EU Directive 24/2014 on the
implementation of the life cycle perspective in public procurement procedures according to the
criteria or interest of organizations and different administrative levels (local/regional/national).
GRASPINNO
Green assessment
thematic area
GPP procedures should also include some kind of pre-audit system allowing the assessment of selected products
or services against a set of economic and environmental terms. This kind of tender is a correct GPP procedure,
but it is generally considered unclear and dangerous by the small municipalities because the real costs and
Why was the best
benefits are defined by the company that will refurbish the building. Often PAs are not able to control the real
practice used? cost of this kind of operation due to not having the right instruments and available human resources at their
own disposal. An ex-ante application of LCC helps PAs to guarantee an equal distribution of cost saving between
them and the companies involved.
What are the By using the LCC as ex ante tool, the PAs can improve the quality of its procurement with an economic and
environmental point of view. By anticipating LCC use before the publication of the tender, the ex-ante LCC
benefits of best
tool enables PAs to contribute to a correct tender setting, maximizing economic and environmental positive
practice? effects.
The tool can only compare two products at a time, which makes it tedious if comparing multiple products.
In case of retrofitting a building, this tool could be used to compare various types of windows used, the
What problems/ type of constructed walls, etc. This way it would split different aspects of renovation into different areas
issues were and thus into different comparisons. In the end this would turn out less favourable, as with general building
associated with the refurbishment there are many different areas of a project without homogeneous products to test. In this case
best practice? retrofitting should be considered as a single product with its own energy and maintenance specifications,
even if it is less precise. Such analysis would give an overall perspective of the project without having to
compare it to each individual product.
The LCC as ex-ante tool enables precise economic and environmental consideration on procurement cycle
prior the finalisation of procurement. In that sense, the LCC as an ex-ante tool prevents a possible economic
and environmental damage with the execution of the intervention. The ex-ante LCC is very suitable for PAs
What is the success aim to refurbish their buildings but have scarce availability of financial resources. When PAs have no financial
of the best practice? opportunities to prepare a specific audit or project, the tool has been very effective in implementation of the
correct tenders, allowing the execution of the compulsory preliminary steps (energy audit and project) through
a Public and Private Partnership (PPP). The systematic use of the tool strongly contribute to a sustainable local
economy.
GRASPINNO D5.1.1. GRASPINNO Capitalization plan
GRASPINNO D3.3.1 Report on the tools that will be used for purposes of GRASPINNO pilots
More information
GRASPINNO Training material: Module 2 – A proper use of eGPP
42
4.1.4. EX-POST LCC TOOL
Best practice title USING AN EX-POST LCC TOOL FOR PAS PROCUREMENT EVALUATION
Year 2018-2019
Contact person:
Terre di Siena Lab
Bucciarelli Alessio
53100 SIENA
+39 3483649022
The LCC tool has been used as an ex-post tool by PAs to evaluate concluded tenders in line with
requirements, laid in EU Directive 24/2014 on the implementation of the life cycle perspective in
public procurement procedures according to the criteria or interest of organizations and different
A short description
administrative levels (local/regional/national). With the introduction of the ex-ante LCC tool new
technical evaluation was needed to measure the capability of the new and old tools to improve
their effectiveness in reducing the LCC in the building refurbishment.
GRASPINNO
Green assessment
thematic area
Why was the best The ex-post LCC tool was used, according to the needs of PA,s to evaluate cconcluded tenders in
practice used? line with life cycle directives and public procurement procedures.
What are the

With an ex-post evaluation the experience can help formulate the tender with a correct setting.
benefits of best
The verification is only useful in perspective.
practice?
What problems/
The weakness of the tool remains its application after the tender; it means that LCC is an ex-
issues were
post verification. In this way LCC gives a correct evaluation but only when the tender is already
associated with the
published and eventual corrections are not possible anymore.
best practice?
The LCC tool as ex-post tool helps PAs to understand how to correctly interpret the results of
a green tender through an economic (life cycle cost) point of view. It enables users to see the
absolute value of the certain products’ life cycle cost of. It allows users to evaluate the difference
What is the success
between the costs of keeping an existing product versus substituting it with a new product. The
user can evaluate the LCC of two similar products with comparable performance. This allows users
to be more informed about the decision making and is the main purpose of this tool. Such use
shows the difference between the lowest price evaluation and Life Cycle Cost evaluation.
GRASPINNO D5.1.1. GRASPINNO Capitalization plan
GRASPINNO D3.3.1 Report on the tools that will be used for purposes of GRASPINNO pilots
More information
Training material: Module 2 – A proper use of e-GPP
43
4.2.1. GRASP GREEN PROCUREMENT PLATFORM
STRENGTHENING GREEN PROCUREMENT PROCESSES IN WIDER MED REGION USING GRASP

Best practice title
GREEN PROCUREMENT PLATFORM
Year 2007-2013
Contact person:
Stephanedes Yorgos
Point of contact Research Committee, Ktirio A,
ystephanedes@upatras.gr
Panepistimioupoli, Rio
+30 2610996593
26504 Patras
Green Public Procurement (GPP) is a process, where public authorities seek to procure goods and
services with a reduced environmental impact throughout their lifecycle, when compared to goods
A short description and services with the same primary function than would otherwise be procured. The best practice
supported cities, municipalities, and regions involved in adopting innovative solutions for GPP in
the energy sector.
GRASPINNO
Green assessment
thematic area
GRASPINNO partners
SME
The best practice was used for strengthening green procurement processes in wider MED
Why was the best region through the use of online supply management system, with an emphasis on energy (e.g.
practice used? renewable sources, green materials), and for sharing expertise and best practices among the
public authorities and SMEs.
The best practice enabled stakeholders to strengthen green procurement processes in the
energy sector (e.g. renewable sources, green materials) through the online supply management
What are the
system. It had strengthened the capacity of local/regional authorities to use and set quality
benefits of best
green requirements. Its assessment builds on knowledge and experiences in energy procurement
practice?
from different MED areas in order to reach common strategies for increasing potential impact of
e-procurement.
The development of an advanced green transnational procurement system empowered the

cooperation between the MED public administrations and SMEs involved in adopting innovative
What is the success solutions in the energy sector while enabling them to better meet their carbon reduction
of the best practice? commitments by 2020. Long-term success of the best practice was the change in procurement
policies and integrated energy plans, which had positive impacts on social needs and a greener
and more sustainable environment.
More information WEBSITE: http://grasp-egpp.eu/
44
4.2.2. SERVICE-ORIENTED PLATFORM E-PRIOR
FACILITATING INTEROPERABLE ELECTRONIC PROCUREMENT ACROSS EUROPE WITH

Best practice title
SERVICE-ORIENTED PLATFORM E-PRIOR
Year 2010-2014
European Commission
Contact person:
Directorate-General for Informatics
Point of contact Yuliya Krumova
Rue Belliard 28
Yuliya.krumova@ec.europa.eu
1049 Brussels
Public procurement plays an important role in the development of a single market. Several
studies had shown that the switch from paper-based procurement to eProcurement would be
highly desirable and would result in significant savings in total procurement costs and reduction in
transaction costs. For that purpose, European Commission launched a service-oriented platform
A short description
called Open e-PRIOR, which allows PAs to implement interoperable electronic services - exchanges
post-award documents by using web services to enable businesses the electronic communication
with any European government institution in the procurement process, increasing efficiency and
reducing costs.
GRASPINNO
Green assessment
thematic area
GRASPINNO partners
SME
eProcurement platform was used to support governments, businesses and SMEs to adopt
e-invoicing and e-procurement solutions that work seamlessly across Europe. Its most prominent
Why was the best
feature is that it enables trading partners to exchange standards-based electronic documents over
practice used?
the PEPPOL network, promoting interoperability across Europe, digital economy and the European
single-market.
The widespread use of eProcurement would simultaneously result in significant savings in

What are the total procurement costs, reductions in transaction costs, reductions in payment deadlines. It
benefits of best also ensures transparency for the suppliers. But despite several EU policy efforts to put public
practice? e-Procurement at an equal footing with paper-based approaches, its take-up remains low, both
within most countries and across the EU as a whole.
The key architectural problem with Open e-PRIOR platform is the interoperability between the
What problems/
internal systems of the PAs and the broad collection of systems used by their suppliers. The
issues were
solution for the issue hasn’t been found yet but given the fact that eProcurement will gradually
associated with the
become mandatory in EU, e-PRIOR will have to fix this in order to be used by Public Authorities,
best practice?
EU institutions and SMEs.
Success of the best practice can be seen through a modular building block approach, where
organisations can grow their PEPPOL usage together with their expanding capabilities in
What is the success e-procurement. Through agreement on specifications for cross-border procurement processes,
of the best practice? the PEPPOL network has contributed to the development of a pan-European, standards-based IT
infrastructure. It has been built upon the existing strengths of national eProcurement systems by
using information and communication technologies to enable them to connect with each other.
WEBSITE: https://ec.europa.eu/isa2/library/eprior/
More information
http://peppol.eu/
45
4.2.3. DECISION SUPPORT TOOL PRIORITEE
PRIORITISING ENERGY EFFICIENCY MEASURES IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS WITH A DECISION

Best practice title
SUPPORT TOOL PRIORITEE
Year 2017-2019
CNR-IMAA
Contact person:
Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
Monica Salvia
Point of contact Istituto di Metodologie per l’Analisi
+39-0971-427207
Ambientale C.da S.Loja,
monica.salvia@imaa.cnr.it
85050 Tito Scalo (PZ), Italia
Low-carbon economy is a key issue for territorial sustainable development and for EU objectives.
Therefore, the challenge in MED areas is to develop solutions adapted to various regional contexts
from densely urbanised areas with dense transport networks to remote areas and islands with
A short description mode limited access to energy resources. The developed toolbox PrioritEE as such will prioritize
energy efficiency measures in public buildings and enhance the policy making and strategic
planning competences of local and regional PAs in the energy management of public buildings in
MED countries Italy, Portugal, Spain, Greece and Croatia.
GRASPINNO
thematic area
GRASPINNO partners
SME
The purpose of the best practice was to strengthen the policy-making and strategic planning competences of
local and regional PAs in the energy management of public buildings by developing replicable solutions suited
Why was the best for various regional contexts. The acquired knowledge on decision support tools, good practices and strategies
practice used? was combined in a platform – PrioritEE toolbox, which is used by local PAs to manage and monitor energy
consumption in public buildings, to assess the cost-effectiveness of a predefined set of EE and RES measures
and alternatives, and to prioritise investments.
The main benefit that arises from the decision support tool, developed in the best practice, is the increased
What are the capacity of local/regional entities to implement energy efficiency measures in public buildings, to manage and
monitor their energy consumption as well as to support the implementation of local action plans to reduce
benefits of best
energy consumption of public buildings. This was achieved through a balanced set of cost-effective technical
practice? measures and “soft-measures” aimed at motivating behavioural change and a sense of ownership of the local
energy system by different target groups and employees.
What problems/ The five countries involved in the development of the toolbox PrioritEE have struggled to embed the EU
issues were commitment for sustainable energy within their energy policy because of the financial crisis and subsequent lack
associated with the of available capacity (human and financial). Therefore, they have common problems and lessons learnt in the
best practice? field of EE management to share with each other, which can generate synergies transferable to other countries.
The PrioritEE toolbox has been tested on five pilots in Italy, Portugal, Spain, Greece and Croatia,
focusing on a varied portfolio of local priorities and covering different key energy efficiency issues.
The end result was creating
a. a toolbox that includes technology analytical database, which incorporates technical solutions
What is the success to improve energy efficiency in public buildings,
b. a decision support tool that prioritizes energy efficiency measures divided among various
focus areas and
c. creation of a repository of good practices to enhance sustainable energy awareness and

foster behavioural changes.
More information WEBSITE: https://prioritee.interreg-med.eu
46
5. PILOT ACTIONS SUPPORTING ENERGY
REFURBISHMENT OF BUILDINGS
Pilot activities show a case of good practices to support PAs and SMEs to participate in
green energy tender preparation and for energy refurbishment of buildings. When lacking
the internal expertise and knowledge, the engagement of external experts, who follow the
energy intervention from the beginning to the end through pilot application, can provide
smoother refurbishment process.

Several GRASPINNO pilots, including various pilot sites and type of actions, have been carried out
in several Mediterranean countries, which offer valuable insights into national specific and common
(transnational) areas. All together 13 pilots for energy refurbishment of public buildings have been
successfully finalised in 5 countries: Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Spain and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In
pilots several energy refurbishment actions were carried out, such as replacement of windows,
joinery, lighting, air-conditioning, installation of photovoltaic plan, net metering contracted PV roofs
and also general infrastructure intervention. During the pilot actions several tests and upgrades
of the tools and methodologies for successful integration/implementation of e-GPP platform were
implemented. Additionally, several transferring events ensured that the knowledge and experience
gained in the pilots were properly validated, evaluated and transferred among other stakeholders.
More information on pilot actions taken during GRASPINNO project are available in the 5.1.1
GRASPINNO pilot actions.
5.1.1. GRASPINNO PILOT ACTIONS
PILOT ACTIONS TO SUPPORT GREEN ENERGY TENDER PREPARATION FOR PAS AND SMES
Best practice title
WITH VALIDATION AND INTEGRATION OF TOOLS
Year 2017-2018
University of Patras Contact person:

Point of contact
Research Committee, Ktirio A, Panepistimioupoli, Rio markwnna@gmail.com
26504 Patras +30 6978842158

With GRASPINNO pilots several relevant tools have been tested and used in practice to prepare
and execute tendering procedures for energy refurbishment of public buildings. Among several
tools that have been considered (GRASP database, Transnational Mediterranean Network (TMN),
CO-EFFICIENT Living Labs methodology, Sienna carbon free 2015, PEEBPE, ePrior, PEPPOL, etc.),
the most emphasis was given on practical use of e-GPP platform and Life Cycle Cost (LCC) tool.
Pilot activities were implemented from April 2017 to January 2018 on different pilot sites, including
A short description
educational buildings/schools, civil buildings for public use, public offices, health care centre,
cultural institution and others. All together 13 pilots have been executed. Different types of actions
were necessary for pilots on energy refurbishment of public buildings, such as: windows/joinery
replacement, lighting replacement, general infrastructure intervention, installation of photovoltaic
plan, replacement of air-conditioning devices, installation of net metering contracted PV roofs and
finally a zero cost intervention for the PAs with the so called “cooperating lease”.
GRASPINNO
thematic area
47
PILOT ACTIONS TO SUPPORT GREEN ENERGY TENDER PREPARATION FOR PAS AND SMES
Best practice title
WITH VALIDATION AND INTEGRATION OF TOOLS
Year 2017-2018
GRASPINNO partners

Target group
SME
Pilot actions were used to support PAs and SMEs in effectively participating in tenders by supporting capacity
building, financing and networking with validation and integration of upgraded e-GPP platform and LCC tool.
Why was the best
The aim of pilot activities (pilots, transferring seminars) were to transfer and share the knowledge/experience
practice used? gained in pilots to other stakeholders (public procurers and SMEs) and urge them to adopt same/similar eco-
innovative methods/techniques, leading to the achievement of the EU2020 goal.
Involved public building stakeholders, public procurers, SMEs and energy clusters directly involved in green
tenders were the ones benefitting from the implemented pilots. Their knowledge and expertise on tendering
has improved significantly after their active participation in pilots. Each involved stakeholder became more
What are the familiar with the sectors of optimal green refurbishment solutions, considering local legal framework and local-
benefits of best geography energy potential. As far as green public procurement concerns, pilot experiences facilitate the
practice? process promoting the knowledge on green technology, green criteria, and good practices. The experience of
the pilots was especially useful for the staff of the local authorities concerned, as it allowed them to compare
existing good practices in other contexts, both national and international. The use of the GRASPINNO e-GPP has
been hampered by the presence of national regulations that require the use of specific e-procurement platform.
What problems/ The attempt to change the attitude on energy efficient products requires time and effort. Also, the tender
issues were execution within pilot activities had taken a long time and could be postponed by unpredicted factors, such
associated with the as bidder appeals. Thus, the procurement procedure time planning has to be done considering unexpected
best practice? parameters.
Pilots enable delivery of upgraded tools, developed from past synergies, integrated into an e-GPP platform
through testing and validation of knowledge base, decision support tools, and validated state-of-the-
art e-procurement systems. The collected tools have been parameterised and upgraded for the needs of
stakeholders by identifying:
• Features, values, weights, labels to be used in tenders, according to EU, national law and other
requirements,
• Products that can be realistically procured with e-GPP and used in the pilot tenders,
What is the success • Clusters to be involved in the tenders,

• Upgrades of tools (LCC, DBs, e-GPP tool).
Test results improved capacity of public building owners to manage energy efficiency (EE) towards nearly-
zero-energy building. The tests indicated problems and identified substantial improvements in EE of
buildings.
Pilots have supported the involved stakeholders to offer products/services adhering to green specifications,
leveraging transnational collaborations, and promoting participation in green tenders for energy
refurbishment of public buildings through the GRASPINNO green e-GPP platform.
GRASPINNO D3.9.1 Reports on the pilots
More information GRASPINNO D3.10.6. Overall evaluation report on the pilots
48
5.2.1. EU-GUGLE PILOT ACTIONS
Best practice title PILOT ACTIONS TO SUPPORT NEARLY ZERO ENERGY BUILDING RENOVATION
Year 2013-2018
Cener, National Renewable

Contact person:
Energy Center,
Florencio Manteca González
Point of contact Ciudad de la Innovación,
fmanteca@cener.com
nº 7 31621 Sarriguren (Navarra),
+34 948 25 28 00
Spain
Within EU-GUGLE project 8 pilot cities joined efforts to combine the latest research results relevant
to smart renovation of groups of buildings at district level and use this knowledge to implement
a balanced mix of technical, socio-economic and financial solutions adapted to local needs. All
aspects of the renovation process were monitored and evaluated, from the energy performance of
A short description
the renovated buildings to the financing schemes chosen by the municipalities. The pilot actions
were carried out in Austria, Finland, Germany, Italy, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and Turkey. The
renovation included a variety of building ages, both between the 1950s and 80s and the beginning
of the 20th century.
GRASPINNO
thematic area
SME
Pilot actions were used to bring together already planned or started actions towards nearly Zero
Why was the best
Energy Building Renovation in a coherent and comprehensive way, demonstrating that smart
practice used?
practice makes political, economic and social sense.
Pilot actions give involved stakeholders in renovation process an opportunity to work together, to
What are the
share the latest research results relevant to smart renovation of groups of buildings at district level,
benefits of best
and use this knowledge in actual renovations. They have demonstrated that energy performance
practice?
can be improved significantly through a proper renovation.
Several challenges have been exposed during the pilot implementation. The first was related
to regulations for renovations, which were very strict in some countries, so it was very hard to
What problems/
follow the tight scheduling of pilot implementation. Additionally, also regulatory issues related to
issues were
tenants and to flat/house owners have to be considered when doing the renovation. This required
associated with the
appointments with “housing representatives” to update them on the financial and social aspects
best practice?
of the building renovations. Also, a poor economic situation in some cities led to awareness that
renovation should not be too costly in order for rents to remain on a socially responsible level.
Pilot cities integrated the results of the renovation into comprehensive” smart renovation
What is the success
strategies” that will be easily transposable to other municipalities, and which will be disseminated
through an EU-wide replication campaign.
More information WEBSITE: http://eu-gugle.eu/
49
50
PART II
6. NETWORKING FACILITIES
Identified best practices can only be spread with support of appropriate facilities for advocacy,
lobbying and liaison. Such networking facilities play a crucial role in supporting green energy clusters
and networks to bring their innovations to market and cooperate transnationally. While various
networking facilities, such as interconnected group or system, communities, initiatives, forums,
programmes, etc. already exist, the most essential for deploying identified best practices in the field
of public procurement and energy refurbishment are those networking facilities, which are active
or contributing in the field of green and sustainable growth with transnational scope. Networking
facilities that can be applied for deploying the results of GRASPINNO project and selected best
practices, can be grouped into 7 different thematic areas, addressing topics of green growth,
renewable energy, efficient buildings, sustainable procurements, networking, and social innovation.
The overall objective of all networking facilities is to facilitate the knowledge transfer – providing
input and influence regional policies towards greener and sustainable solutions in the thematic field
of area.
Green growth communities, such as Interreg MED Green Growth Community and Green Growth
Knowledge Platform, address challenges regarding green manufacturing, energy efficiency, waste
management and eco-innovation. The end result presents a platform with a research database, case
studies, toolkits, etc., which helps PAs to better understand the addressed topics and see the positive
outcome of projects’ implementation on greener solutions and policies.
The focus of renewable energy communities is primarily on low-carbon strategies and energy
efficiency. Communities like IRENA – International Renewable Energy Agency and Interreg MED
Renewable Energy Community aim to promote the use of alternative, renewable energy, such as solar,
wind, geothermal energy in order for local governments to adopt policies on more environmentally
friendly investments towards clean and sustainable energy.
Efficient buildings communities like MED Efficient Buildings Community and BUILD UP have been
established for the purpose of providing experiences from good local practices in the neighbouring
countries, covering topics on building refurbishment. The end results will serve for exploitation of
synergies among involved partners and to maximize the social impact in the addressed region.
Procura+, Sustainable Procurement Resource Centre, Procurement Forum, Public Procurement

Network, NGO Network on Green Public Procurement and International Green Purchasing Network
are just few relevant examples of the network facilities that form sustainable procurement
communities. Their prime focus is on a sustainable procurement system than can be used by
PAs, stakeholders, policy makers, etc. Networks therefore offer key knowledge, tools, guidance and
support material on how to effectively undertake sustainable procurements and give public entities
and stakeholders an opportunity to connect and collaborate.
51
Transnational Mediterranean network (TMN), local governments, such as ICLEI, UN Environment
and EU SWITCH to Green Flagship initiative were launched for the purpose of providing a network
between different levels of government, stakeholders and international SMEs. TMN presents the
link between private and public sector to communicate, exchange knowledge on topics related to
improving the capacity of PAs to manage the energy efficiency of buildings, moving towards nearly
zero energy buildings and strengthening SMEs to enter the green energy market. For instance,
ICLEI addresses topics on low-emission urban environments, and works on connecting entities
on city, regional, national and global level with the aim to provide a framework for designing an
integrated solution on how to balance the human behavioural patterns with natural environment.
UN Environment, on the other hand, focuses on eco-labelling, which represents a tool for PAs to
encourage behavioural change of producers and consumers towards long-term sustainability. Eco-
labelling is important because it represents a major step closer towards sustainable development.
The last, EU SWITCH to Green Flagship Initiative presents a link between complementary programs
that improve overall coherence, coordination and visibility of ongoing and future initiatives on green
economy. They are working to promote green jobs and help reduce poverty to reach the efforts of
2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Social and creative communities cover topics, such as cultural industries and social innovation
and aim to connect modular projects with local innovation communities and build instruments for
action policy. For example, MED Social and Creative Community promotes the coherence and impact
of modular projects with an aim to connect social and creative innovators within the Mediterranean
region to consolidate and share new models of development.
All listed networking facilities are more thoroughly explained in the following subchapters.
52
6.1. GREEN GROWTH COMMUNITY
6.1.1. INTERREG MED GREEN GROWTH COMMUNITY
Networking facility INTERREG MED GREEN GROWTH COMMUNITY
The Interreg MED Green Growth Community is a community of projects in the framework of Interreg
MED Programme. It promotes a sustainable development in the Mediterranean area, based on the
sound management of the natural resources thanks to innovation and who considers the effects
on the labour market by promoting social justice and green jobs. The focus of community is set
on agro food, green manufacturing, energy efficiency, waste management, smart cities and eco-
innovation. The target is to produce homogenised results that can become policies. This way more
A short description
jobs will be created in the fields of green economy and more growth will arise in a sustainable
way. Through SYNGGI, GGC main objective is to build a community network, supported by an
agile communication and capitalization tool, that help all MED and extra-MED area stakeholders’
to enjoy the experience and the results done during projects’ implementation and even after their
completion with significant effort to reinforce “Platform Project” reach EU officials and produce
innovative policies.
Higher education and research

Target group
SME
Geographical area Mediterranean area
The Interreg MED Green Growth Community relates to GRASPINNO aim of promoting a green and
Relation to
sustainable growth model for MED area and improves transnational cooperation and networking by
GRASPINNO
reinforcing networks of networks of the green growth sectors, including all actors of the quadruple
objectives
helix in the GEM ecosystem.
1. Empowered community creation for MED and non-MED stakeholders. Creation of a solid GGC
will act as a hub to accept modular project results and disseminate them among partners,
consortia and countries. That way solutions will be available for use from all consortia.
2. Upgrading green growth MED networks. An aim of GGC is to create bridges and externalize
Main results, its members’ efforts towards innovation. It links the most successful EU environmental
achievements, clusters, associations, networks outside MED areas and organize bilateral events and training
outcomes activities that will transfer the best practices to the MED region.
3. apitalisation support. Capitalisation transfer will consist of activities to outreach the project
results to transnational and European level. All capitalization activities will be available for
Axis 4 of Interreg MED and the final goal is to end-up with a group of unprecedented green
growth policy recommendations
More information WEBSITE: https://green-growth.interreg-med.eu/
53
6.1.2. GREEN GROWTH KNOWLEDGE PLATFORM
Networking facility GREEN GROWTH KNOWLEDGE PLATFORM
The GGKP (Green growth knowledge platform) was established by the Global Green Growth
Institute, the OECD, the UN Environment Programme, and the World Bank to identify and address
knowledge gaps in green growth theory and practice. It is a global community of organisations and
experts committed to collaboratively generating, managing and sharing green growth knowledge
and data to mobilise a sustainable future. The GGKP’s three knowledge platforms – the Green
Growth Knowledge Platform, the Green Industry Platform, and the Green Finance Platform – offer
A short description
quick and easy access to the latest research, case studies, toolkits, learning products, principles,
and protocols to empower policy makers and advisors, small and medium-sized enterprises, and
banks, insurance, and investment firms to make evidence-based decisions about how to green
their operations. The GGKP encourages and supports widespread collaboration and innovation
in generating knowledge within and across the business, finance, and policy communities, most
notably through the establishment of GGKP Expert Working Groups.
Higher education and research

Target group
SME
Geographical area Worldwide
Relation to
The GGKP relates to GRASPINNO aim of supporting PAs to adopt green public procurement through
GRASPINNO
knowledge bases, decision support tools, and validated state-of-the-art e-procurement systems.
objectives
Since its inception, the GGKP has launched nine expert working groups on fiscal instruments,
trade and competitiveness, metrics and indicators, technology and innovation, inclusiveness,
behavioural insights, sustainable infrastructure, natural capital, and green growth and the law.
The collaboration triggered by these working groups goes beyond the work within the group itself
and extends to complementary activities, such as joint initiatives or related research activities.
Main results, The GGKP launched the policy-focused Green Growth Knowledge Platform in 2014 to bridge
achievements, knowledge gaps, exchange information, and delivery policy guidance to support the transition to
outcomes a green economy.
Recognising the need for better, faster, and more comprehensive information to support and
accelerate a green transformation in the industrial and financial sectors, the GGKP launched the
Green Industry Platform and the Green Finance Platform in 2019. These platforms extend the
GGKP’s world-class knowledge management and communications support to the business and
finance communities.
More information WEBSITE: https://www.greengrowthknowledge.org/
54
6.2. RENEWABLE ENERGY COMMUNITY
6.2.1. RENEWABLE ENERGY COMMUNITY
Networking facility RENEWABLE ENERGY COMMUNITY
The Renewable Energy Community forms part of the Low Carbon Economy axe and it is
constituted by six “Modular” Projects and one “Horizontal project, managing the community. The
MED RES Community is formed by more than 115 institutions, 57 regions divided among 10 EU
Member states and 3 countries from the instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance, all around the
A short description
Mediterranean Sea. The common objective of the community members is fostering low-carbon
strategies and energy efficiency in the MED territory and particularly, increasing the share of
renewable local energy sources in the energy mix strategies and plans of MED islands and rural
areas.

Target group
Geographical area Mediterranean
Relation to The Renewable Energy Community relates to GRASPINNO aim to improve transnational cooperation
GRASPINNO and networking by reinforcing networks of networks of the green growth sectors, including all
objectives actors engaged in green, smart, sustainable development.
1. Community building and creation of synergies and connecting bridges among the projects of
the MED renewable energy community.
2. Diffusion and dissemination of the integrated modular project results into the whole MED
area, particularly islands and rural areas.
Main results,
achievements, 3. Organization and participation to regional, national and international thematic events in the
outcomes renewable energy field.
4. Capitalization of the modular projects results in the MED area.
5. nlargement of thematic networks and eventual creation of new networks and agreements on
the MED area scale and other regions from Europe.
More information WEBSITE: https://renewable-energies.interreg-med.eu/
55
6.2.2. INTERNATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY (IRENA)
Networking facility GREEN GROWTH KNOWLEDGE PLATFORM
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an intergovernmental organisation that

supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future, and serves as the principal
platform for international cooperation, a centre of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology,
resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy. IRENA promotes the widespread adoption
and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy, including bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower,
ocean, solar and wind energy in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, energy
A short description security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity.
With a mandate from countries around the world, IRENA encourages governments to adopt
enabling policies for renewable energy investments, provides practical tools and policy advice
to accelerate renewable energy deployment, and facilitates knowledge sharing and technology
transfer to provide clean, sustainable energy for the world’s growing population.

Target group
Relation to
IRENA relates to GRASPINNO aim of supporting PAs to adopt green public procurement through
GRASPINNO
knowledge bases, decision support tools and validates state-of-the-art e-procurement systems.
objectives
The aim of IRENA is to seek out, establish and develop new synergies, facilitate dialogue, share
best practices, promote enabling policies, build capacity and foster co-operation at the global,
regional and national levels. IRENA encourages investment flows and works to strengthen the
Main results, technology and innovation with diverse stakeholders contributing to these shared goals. It
achievements, facilitates knowledge-sharing partnerships, ensuring that existing information and experience is
outcomes developed, organised and accessible. As a global platform for inclusive co-operation, IRENA is
uniquely positioned to bring together these different constituencies. It serves as the convening
platform to advance the widespread adoption and use of renewable energy, with the ultimate goal
of safeguarding a sustainable future.
More information WEBSITE: https://www.irena.org/
56
6.3. EFFICIENT BUILDINGS COMMUNITY
6.3.1. MED EFFICIENT BUILDINGS COMMUNITY
Networking facility MED EFFICIENT BUILDINGS COMMUNITY
MED Efficient Buildings Community was established in the framework of Interreg MED Programme
2014-2020. Its activities take place in the cooperation area of the Programme and beyond,
involving partners from EU Member States (Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Italy, Austria,
Slovenia, Croatia, Greece, Cyprus and Malta) and IPA Countries (Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro,
Albania). All regions in the cooperation area share similar climatic conditions and this peculiarity
A short description
is crucial for energy efficiency policies. MED Efficient Buildings Community has been created,
precisely to bring specific experiences from local stakeholders to the international stage and to find
policy solutions at European level that might fit for the conditions of Mediterranean area. Starting
from a bottom-up approach, good local practices will be tested and spread in neighbouring MED
regions and countries.
SME
Relation to MED Efficient Buildings community relates to GRASPINNO aim to engage in eco-innovation and
GRASPINNO green energy private actors, with solutions in green energy refurbishment of public buildings, to
objectives participate in green e-tenders.
The Efficient Buildings Community’s modular projects aim to support public authorities in the
transition towards low-carbon buildings. The community follows ten different projects, involving
Main results, local stakeholders in different European regions and it tries to understand their specific needs for a
achievements, successful implementation. All lessons learnt from these diverse experiences will then be distilled
outcomes into policy recommendations and the community will advocate for them in the relevant policy
environments. It will be a unique opportunity for the Mediterranean countries to contribute to the
European policy dialogue on energy efficiency in public buildings.
More information WEBSITE: https://efficient-buildings.interreg-med.eu/
57
6.3.2. BUILD UP
Networking facility BUILD UP
BUILD UP is the European web portal for energy efficiency in buildings. It encourages building
A short description professionals, public authorities and owners of buildings to share their knowledge on how to cut
energy consumption in buildings.
General public

Target group
SME
Geographical area European
Relation to
BUILD UP relates to GRASPINNO aim to engage in eco-innovation and green energy private actors,
GRASPINNO
with solution in green energy refurbishment of public buildings, to participate in green e-tenders.
objectives
Main results, The BUILD UP portal shares a wide range of expertise and best practices on regulatory, financing
achievements, and technical issues and also offers a wide array of news, publications and events that help PAs
outcomes and building owners expand their knowledge and get important experience in energy efficiency.
More information WEBSITE: https://www.buildup.eu/en
58
6.4. SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT COMMUNITY
6.4.1. PROCURA+
Networking facility PROCURA+
Procura+ is an initiative designed to help support public authorities in implementing Sustainable

Procurement and help promote their achievements. The campaign was established in 2004 by
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability to help drive the mainstreaming of sustainable
public procurement. Through participating in the campaign, public authorities can contribute to
A short description a growing international movement and help bring real change on the market. Procura+ offers
a range of guidance and resources for implementing SPP, available on the website, including
detailed purchasing criteria for six product groups (buses, cleaning products & services, electricity,
food & catering services, IT products, building construction & renovation) a manual for SPP
implementation and a collection of best practice case studies.

Target group
Relation to Procura+ relates to GRASPINNO aim of supporting PAs to adopt green public procurement through
GRASPINNO knowledge bases, decision support tools and validated state-of-the-art e-procurement systems
objectives and engage in electronic green public procurement.
1. Practical advice on how to integrate sustainability into procurement,
2. A model for systematically implementing sustainable procurement – the Procura+

Management Cycle,
Main results, 3. An exploration of the possibilities for sustainable and innovation procurement, set out within
achievements, the 2014 Directives, including how they can be applied in practice,
outcomes
4. Key guidance on sustainable procurement approaches for six high-priority product groups –
construction, IT equipment, cleaning products, food, vehicles and electricity,
5. Good practice examples from around Europe with more detailed information on the products
groups covered and a variety of further implementation tools.
More information WEBSITE: http://www.procuraplus.org/
59
6.4.2. SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT RESOURCE CENTRE
Networking facility SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT RESOURCE CENTRE
The Sustainable Procurement Resource Centre is a one-stop access point for procurers, policy
makers, researchers and other stakeholders. Public procurement can be a key tool in driving the
development of innovative goods and services on the European market. By working together,
and pooling their resources, cities, central purchasing bodies, and other major public procurers
can maximize their market power and impact. The Sustainable Procurement Resource Centre
A short description
therefore contains key knowledge on how to effectively undertake sustainable procurement.
Support material is available for every stage from beginner to advance. On the website you can
find a selection of tools and guidance for implementing various aspects of sustainable procurement,
covering guidelines for circular, environmental and socially sustainable procurement, as well as
tools that help with more practical aspects of the tender process.
SME
Relation to The Sustainable Procurement Resource Centre relates to GRASPINNO aim of supporting PAs to
GRASPINNO adopt green public procurement through knowledge bases, decision support tools, and validated
objectives state-of-the-art e-procurement systems.
1. Financial efficiency
2. Achieving social goals
3. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Main results,
achievements, 4. Driving innovation & market transformation
outcomes
5. Demonstrating political commitment
6. Boosting supply chain competitiveness
7. Meeting other environmental goals
More information WEBSITE: http://www.sustainable-procurement.org/
60
6.4.3. THE PROCUREMENT FORUM
Networking facility THE PROCUREMENT FORUM
The Procurement Forum is managed by the European Secretariat of ICLEI - Local Governments for
Sustainability, as part of the Procurement of Innovation Platform project financed by DG Enterprise
and Industry – European Commission. The online hub of all things related to public procurement
A short description of innovation, the Procurement of Innovation Platform is the starting point for public authorities,
procurers, policy makers, researchers and other stakeholders working in the field to discover the
particularities of PPI. The Procurement Forum is the part of that platform that gives stakeholders
a chance to exchange knowledge, connect and collaborate.
Business support organizations

Target group
SME
Relation to The Procurement Forum relates to GRASPINNO aim to support green energy and eco-innovation
GRASPINNO networks/cluster to increase their business and R&I capacities and reinforce transnational
objectives cooperation.
Outcome of the procurement forum is a Resource Centre platform, which offers policy papers,
Main results,
online tools, and access to a wealth of innovation procurement knowledge for public authorities,
achievements,
procurers, policy makers, researchers and other stakeholders working in the field to discover the
outcomes
particularities of PPI.
More information WEBSITE: https://procurement-forum.eu/
61
6.4.4. PUBLIC PROCUREMENT NETWORK
Networking facility PUBLIC PROCUREMENT NETWORK
A PPN is a co-operation network of public procurement expert officials, dedicated to European

A short description companies taking part in procurement procedures in other countries of the network. It involves all
EU Member States, EU candidate countries, EEA Members and Switzerland.

Target group
Relation to
A PPN relates to GRASPINNO aim to adopt green public procurement through knowledge bases,
GRASPINNO
decision support tools, and validated state-of-the-art e-procurement system.
objectives
1. Reports to the Government and Parliament serious phenomena of non-compliance on the

adjudication and performance of public contracts, and on the effectiveness of the corruption
Main results, prevention instruments;
achievements,
2. Advises the Government on possible amendments to the existing legislation;
outcomes
3. Submits annual reports to the Parliament on its activity in the area of corruption prevention
and the effectiveness of the relevant legislation.
More information WEBSITE: http://www.publicprocurementnetwork.org
62
6.4.5. THE EUROPEAN NGO NETWORK ON GREEN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT
Networking facility THE EUROPEAN NGO NETWORK ON GREEN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT
Green Public Procurement aims to harness the purchasing power of governments to drive positive
environmental change. Not only can GPP be used to lower carbon emissions, reduce resource
use and speed up the transition to clean energy, it can also spur innovation in the private sector
and set Europe firmly on a track towards a Circular Economy. With the support of the European
Commission, a network was established in 2016 to make it easier for NGOs to work with public
A short description
procurers to enhance GPP uptake. The objective of the NGO Network is to increase the uptake
of GPP throughout the EU by building NGO capacity to support public authorities. Environmental
NGOs have knowledge and experience with many of the environmental issues addressed by GPP
criteria, such as hazardous substances, waste management, energy efficiency etc., but few are
involved in directly supporting GPP.

Target group
Relation to The European NGO network on Green Public Procurement relates to GRASPINNO aim to support PAs
GRASPINNO to adopt green public procurement through knowledge bases, decision support tools, and validated
objectives state-of-the-art e-procurement system, and engage in electronic green public procurement.
• Raising awareness and press work by posting online articles, newsletter and other
publications. Bringing the message of GPP to a wide audience will help politicians to take
notice and sensitive procurers to the idea that public money can and should be used to
achieve environmental targets.
Main results, • Providing input into policy-making at the local, national and European level. Individual
achievements, advice and support with policies, strategies, and ongoing and upcoming tenders is of great
outcomes value to public authorities.
• Building relationships with cities/regional governments. Through joining the network, NGOs
will be encouraged to form direct relationships with sub-national governments, working
with them to solve challenges in implementing GPP criteria. This close cooperation leads to
greater bonds and can contribute to establishing a longer-term working relationship.
More information WEBSITE: http://www.sustainable-procurement.org/the-european-ngo-network-on-gpp/
63
6.4.6. THE INTERNATIONAL GREEN PURCHASING NETWORK (IGPN)
Networking facility THE INTERNATIONAL GREEN PURCHASING NETWORK
The IGPN is an organisation, which promotes Green Purchasing around the globe by coordinating
those who take the initiative in implementing Green Purchasing toward sustainable consumption
and production. The IGPN internationally shares information and know-how on Green Purchasing
and environmentally friendly products and services and harmonizes the efforts of Green Purchasing
and the development of environmentally friendly products and services from a global viewpoint.
The network consists of international organizations, businesses, governmental organizations, local
authorities and NGOs.
A short description
The network is steered by a Council, which consists of six members, including ICLEI, an international
organization for local governments, and private organizations, promoting Green Purchasing in
North America, Sweden, Korea and Malaysia, as well as the GPN of Japan. The Advisory Board for
the IGPN comprises of the United Nations, various governmental bodies and relevant not-for-profit
organizations throughout the world.
In the future, the IGPN plans to develop internationally harmonized purchasing policies, product
evaluation tools and a product database to promote Green Purchasing globally.
International organisation

Target group
SME
Relation to The International Green Purchasing network relates to GRASPINNO aim to support green energy
GRASPINNO and eco-innovation networks/clusters to increase their business and R&I capacities and reinforce
objectives transnational cooperation.
1. Collect information on activities related to Green Purchasing, including best-practices, know-

how, purchasing guidelines, products information, research outcomes and the latest trends
from around the world.
2. Hold workshops and seminars targeting the stakeholders in regions where it is essential to
endorse Green Purchasing and aim to be the driving force in the dissemination of Green
Purchasing.
Main results,
achievements, 3. Hold regular international conferences for IGPN members and stakeholders to share and
outcomes discuss issues and practices of Green Purchasing.
4. Develop internationally harmonised Green Purchasing guidelines and tools for product
evaluation, construct a product database, and develop effectiveness measurement methods
and training materials to be internationally utilised.
5. Conduct market research and other necessary activities for the dissemination of Green
Purchasing around the globe.
More information WEBSITE: https://www.igpn.org/index.html
64
6.5. NETWORKING COMMUNITY
6.5.1. TRANSNATIONAL MEDITERRANEAN NETWORK (TMN)
Networking facility TRANSNATIONAL MEDITERRANEAN NETWORK (TMN)
The Transmediterranean Network (TMN) is a platform addressing to private and public sector to
communicate, exchange knowledge on topics related to improving the capacity of PAs to manage
the energy efficiency of buildings, moving towards nearly zero energy buildings and strengthen
SMEs to enter the green energy market. TMN has been initially developed by GRASP Project of the
A short description
MED programme. In the frame of GRASPINNO, the role of TMN was upgraded as it will play a key
role in establishing communication and cooperation between eco-innovation entities participating
in e-GPP processes, energy efficiency and renewable energy sources technologies and products,
emphasizing on public building refurbishment and public lighting.

Target group
SME
Relation to
The TMN relates to GRASPINNO aim to improve transitional cooperation and networking by
GRASPINNO
reinforcing networks or networks of the green growth sectors, including all actors.
objectives
1. Public procurement tool to be used by innovative PAs and clusters/networks for implementing
green specifications/criteria in tenders with green products/services thus increasing their
capacity in green growth, particularly eco-innovation.
2. Decision-support tool (LCC) to be used by PAs for evaluating green products/services.

Main results,
Transnational network for Public/Private Partnerships of eco-innovators including mentoring
achievements,
and business angel support for SMEs, and transnational knowledge base.
outcomes
3. Integrated transnational innovative solutions with practical recommendations to EU decision
makers for their effective policy mainstreaming to benefit all MED areas. Replicability,
transferability and leverage effect allow us to provide smart/low-cost/sustainable solutions
to PAs and SMEs in the whole MED region.
More information WEBSITE: http://www.grasp-tmn.eu/
65
6.5.2. ICLEI – LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Networking facility ICLEI – LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR SUSTAINABILITY
ICLEI engages at the local to global levels, shaping policy and sparking action to transform urban
environments worldwide. By linking subnational, national and global actors, policies, commitments
and actions, ICLEI strengthens action at all levels, in support of sustainable urban development.
A short description
The five ICLEI pathways towards low emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient and circular
development are designed to create systemic change. They will provide a framework for designing
integrated solutions that balance the patterns of human life and the built and natural environments.
International organisation
SME
ICLEI relates to GRASPINNO aim to improve transnational cooperation and networking by

Relation to reinforcing networks of networks of the green growth sectors, including all actors, engaged in
GRASPINNO green, smart, sustainable development, and facilitate transfer and replicability of e-GPP practices
objectives by developing novel instruments for effecting continuous behavioral change in favor of green,
smart and sustainable development.
1. Scale up and expand sustainable cities and regions.
Main results, 2. Make sustainability a fundamental part of all local and global development.
achievements,
outcomes 3. Tackle the most pressing issues of our time to protect the long-term interests of citizens.
4. Undertake a collective effort for global change across all sectors and levels of government.
More information WEBSITE: https://www.iclei.org/
66
6.5.3. UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
Networking facility UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is the leading global environmental
authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of
the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and
serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. In addition to Sustainable Public
A short description Procurement Initiative (SPPI), launched in 2012, UNEP is implementing a project on Sustainable
Public Procurement and Ecolabelling (SPPEL) since April 2013. The project aims to provide
capacity developing and technical assistance to public and private sectors on the development
of SPP policies and use of eco-labelling. Target countries are also assisted in the coordinated
implementation of SPP policies and eco-labelling.
SME
Relation to The United Nations Environment Programme relates to GRASPINNO aim to support PAs to adopt
GRASPINNO green public procurement through knowledge bases, decision support tools, and validated state-
objectives of-the-art e-procurement systems.
1. Provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring,
informing, and enabling nations and people to improve their quality of life without
compromising that of future generations.
Main results,
2. Assess global, regional and national environmental conditions and trends; develop
achievements,
international and national environmental instruments; and strengthen institutions for the
outcomes
wise management of the environment.
3. Higher level strategic and thematic evaluations, including evaluations of UN Environment’s

Medium-Term Strategy, its sub-programmes and country programmes.
More information WEBSITE: https://www.unenvironment.org
67
6.5.4. THE EU SWITCH TO GREEN FLAGSHIP INITIATIVE
Networking facility THE EU SWITCH TO GREEN FLAGSHIP INITIATIVE
Launched by the European Commission Directorate General for International Cooperation and
Development (DG DEVCO), SWITCH to Green is a Flagship Initiative linking complementary
programmes to improve the overall coherence, coordination and visibility of existing and future
EU-funded international cooperation initiatives on green economy. A flagship initiative is aiming
at facilitating the transition to an inclusive green economy that generates growth, creates decent
A short description jobs, and helps reduce poverty. SWITCH to green contributes to implement the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development, in particular to ensure sustainable consumption and production (SCP)
patterns. SWITCH to green should also be seen in the context of the EU action plan on circular
economy, which acknowledges the global dimension of the circular economy and foresees EU
cooperation with international organisations and other interested partners as part of the global
efforts to reach the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
SME
Geographical area Asia, Africa, Mediterranean
Relation to The EU SWITCH to Green Flagship Initiative relates to GRASPINNO aim to improve transnational
GRASPINNO cooperation and networking by reinforcing networks of networks of the green growth sectors,
objectives including all actors, engaged in green, smart, sustainable development.
The initiative provides a platform to improve the overall coherence and coordination of EU
funded initiatives on green economy. Among others, it aims to strengthen the linkages between
macro-level initiatives, such as the UN Partnership for Action on Green Economy, and micro-level
interventions, such as the green business components of the SWITCH regional programs - in order
to reinforce synergies and create stronger enabling environments for green economies.
Main results,
It combines policy level cooperation to contribute to the establishment of the right incentive
achievements,
structures and instruments, with support to private sector initiatives to promote sustainable
outcomes
consumption and production (SCP) practices and the development of green businesses. The
expected results of the initiative are:
1. Inclusive green economy policy reforms to take shape/are in place in partner countries;
2. Economic actors will be better equipped and will have greater opportunities to develop green
business and/or apply SCP practices in partner countries.
More information WEBSITE: https://www.switchtogreen.eu/?p=128
68
6.6. SOCIAL AND CREATIVE COMMUNITY
6.6.1. MED SOCIAL & CREATIVE COMMUNITY
Networking facility MED SOCIAL & CREATIVE COMMUNITY
The MED Social & Creative community is featured by TALIA (Territorial Appropriation of Leading-
edge Innovation Actions), the Interreg-MED Programme’s horizontal project, promoting the
coherence and impact of modular projects, addressing the topics of Cultural and Creative
Industries and Social Innovation. The community aims at connecting social and creative innovators
in the Mediterranean to consolidate and share new models of development. It promotes the
implementation and transferability of a number of modular projects results, dealing with Cultural
A short description
and Creative Industries and Social Innovation. It provides common instruments that allow modular
projects to connect with local innovation communities, starting from the regions of participating
partners. It operates in three main directions - engagement and support, communication, and
attaining impact - to build useful instruments for policy action, through the aggregation of
evidence, identification of relevant indicators for creative and social innovation, and development
of a common model of Mediterranean innovation.

Target group
Relation to
The MED Social & Creative Community relates to GRASPINNO aim to facilitate transfer and
GRASPINNO
replicability of e-GPP practices by developing novel instruments for coaching and mentoring.
objectives
The Social & Creative community is working to promote trans-local innovation clusters for creative
and social innovation by providing instruments that allow transnational MED modular projects to
connect with local innovation communities, starting from the regions of participating partners. The
project carries out the main activities, foreseen by the MED Programme through three strands of
action:
1. Engagement and support. A networking strategy and tools will use a thematic mapping of
innovation actors across the Mediterranean, networking events to build local communities
Main results, and international events, linking the local community to the transnational modular project
achievements, networks and the global networks, brought in by the TALIA partnership.
outcomes
2. Communication. A communication strategy and tools will foster the dissemination across the
Mediterranean of pilots and innovative experiences, developed in regional communities and
through modular projects.
3. Attaining impact. The capitalisation strategy will aim at the consolidation of the results and
their adoption at regional/national level as a follow up to project activities; at geographical
extension of results to other contexts; and at possible transformative effects on higher-level
policy frameworks and the practice of policy making.
More information WEBSITE: https://social-and-creative.interreg-med.eu/
69
PART III
CONCLUSION
As already recognized by Interreg MED Green Growth Community, countries in MED region are facing
similar energy challenges due to akin climate conditions. This presents the opportunity for collaboration,
especially in terms of developing and adopting similar energy refurbishment interventions in MED
area, while also considering their transferability to European or in some cases even worldwide level.
The Energy efficiency directive (2012/27/EU) envisioned European member states to commit to
renovation of at least 3 % of public owned buildings in line with standards on energy efficiency,
meanwhile new buildings should be highly energy efficient. The new Directive 2018/844/EU on
the energy performance of buildings is bringing up new challenges concerning refurbishment of
buildings, among others commitment to stronger long-term renovation strategies, to decarbonisation
of national building stocks by 2050, while also setting measurable progress indicators and a solid
financial component. Raising awareness of best practices on energy refurbishment and green public
procurement and transferring them throughout appropriate networking facilities can assist Europe to
achieve the energy efficiency targets. As such, the best practices deployed through the appropriate
communities can significantly contribute to the European goals of boosting energy performance of
buildings and improvement the existing building stock in both short and long-term perspective.
The analysis of best practices and networking facilities revealed several possible synergies for
further cooperation and transferability of results. Precisely 26 best practices, from methodologies,
approaches, guidelines and tools, were evaluated in terms of transferability against networking
facilities or communities, such as green growth, renewable energy, efficient buildings,
sustainable procurement, networking and social and creative community. Several best
practices have the potential to be further transferred and exploited through before mentioned
communities, as presented in the Table 2: Deployment of best practices through networking facilities
for further exploitation.
70
NETWORKING FACILITIES
BEST PRATICES GREEN RENEWABLE EFFICIENT SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL AND

Table: 2.
NETWORKING
GROWTH ENERGY BUILDINGS PROCUREMENT CREATIVE
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY
GRASPINNO Public procurement methodology
GRASPINNO Living Lab methodology

EXPLOITATION
GRASPINNO Pilot methodology
Methodology for energy efficient building
Methodologies
refurbishment
OPEN HOUSE methodology
GRASPINNO Living Labs
GRASPINNO transferring knowledge
GRASPINNO capitalizing knowledge
Energy Virtuous Living Lab
Knowledge and R&I

CEPPI Living Lab
Green Fund Living Labs
Increasing knowledge on smart SEAP
Mainstreaming GRASPINNO innovations
BUILD-UPON renovation strategies
Improving policy instruments
Funding and policy

Eco-innovation investments
Eco funding
DEPLOYMENT OF BEST PRACTICES THROUGH NETWORKING FACILITIES FOR FURTHER
71
72
NETWORKING FACILITIES
BEST PRATICES GREEN RENEWABLE EFFICIENT SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL AND
NETWORKING
GROWTH ENERGY BUILDINGS PROCUREMENT CREATIVE
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY
Electronic green public procurement tool (e-GPP)
for PAs
Electronic green public procurement tool (e-GPP)
for SMEs
Ex-ante LCC tool
Tools
Ex-post LCC tool

GRASP green procurement platform
Service-oriented platform e-PRIOR
Decision support tool PrioritEE
GRASPINNO pilot actions
Pilots
EU-GUGLE pilot actions

The Green growth communities, like Interreg MED Green Growth Community and Green Growth
Knowledge Platform, address challenges of sustainable green growth, green public procurement and
energy refurbishment of buildings. The identified best practices, in GRASPINNO and other projects,
are aligned with community’s topics and goals. Therefore, both communities present networking
facilities through which identified best practices on methodologies, approaches, tools and pilot
actions for energy refurbishment and green public procurement, can be transferred. By transferring,
adopting and capitalizing the best practices, communities can contribute to promotion of green and
sustainable growth and improvement of transnational cooperation. While the Interreg MED Green
Growth Community is mainly focused on the MED area, the Green Growth Knowledge platforms is a
worldwide community, therefore transferring best practices through green growth communities have
both transnational and worldwide effect.
The Renewable energy communities, like Interreg MED Renewable Energy Community and
IRENA – International Renewable Energy Agency, are focused on low-carbon strategies and energy
efficiency. As the primary focus of such communities is on renewable energies, several best practices
coincide with them. The synergies can be found with GRASPINNO Green Fund Living labs,
proposing new funding and mentoring mechanisms for renewable energy solutions. Several other
best practices were found to be aligned with renewable communities, such as Energy Virtuous Living
lab, CEPPI, improving policy instrument etc. The Energy Virtuous Living Lab is providing the
networking tool to stimulate innovative solutions and applications coming from use of renewable
energy, also the CEPPI Living lab provides a flexible framework for energy innovation for use
of renewable sources. In addition, the policy aspect regarding renewable energy was considered
through the Improving policy instrument. By developing action plans including renewable energy
aspects, policy instruments have been improved, thus contributing to all energy efficiency policies.
In terms of considering renewable energy sources in the process of procurement, GRASPINNO
best practices such as Electronic green public procurement tool (e-GPP) for PAs and SMEs and
GRASP green procurement platform, had shown good example of how to include renewable sources
within the procurement process.
The Efficient buildings communities, like MED Efficient Buildings Community and BUILD UP, are
focused on building refurbishment and the majority of channels from identified communities are
considered relevant for sharing gained experience from best practices on energy refurbishment of
buildings, which can be widely used. As such, several methodologies are considered relevant for
further exploitation within efficient building communities. The GRASPINNO public procurement
methodology offers an approach, how to include green criteria in electronic procurement process
prior to the execution of refurbishment intervention, while the GRASPINNO pilot methodology
provides a good approach on how to execute green tenders for energy refurbishment of buildings,
involving actual pilot sites, building owners and energy experts. The GRASPINNO pilot actions have
led to several interesting first-hand experience and practical recommendations on public buildings’
refurbishment, while EU-GUGLE pilot actions offered insights on refurbishment of residential
buildings. Also, several methodologies for energy efficient buildings and OPEN HOUSE methodology
include very useful recommendations on how to approach to energy refurbishment of buildings. The
knowledge on refurbishment of buildings has been widely transferred and upgraded through various
examples of best practices, such as GRASPINNO Living labs, transferring and capitalizing
activities, while also mainstreamed on policy level.
73
The Sustainable procurement communities, like Procura+, Sustainable Procurement Resource
Centre, Procurement Forum, Public Procurement Network, NGO Network on Green Public Procurement
and International Green Purchasing Network, focus on a sustainable procurement system than can
be used by PAs, SMEs, policy makers and other stakeholders. The identified best practices, such
as GRASPINNO public procurement methodology, GRASPINNO electronic green public
procurement (e-GPP) and LCC tool, GRASP, e-PRIOR and PrioritEE, enable public and
private entities to collaborate in procurement process. The GRASPINNO Living Labs and pilots
generated a good environment and approach to test, develop and update tools for procurement,
thus contributing to new knowledge and services in support of electronic green procurement. All
mentioned best practices support the sustainable procurement and are very beneficial for further
exploitation.
The Networking communities, like Transnational Mediterranean network (TMN), ICLEI, UN

Environment and EU SWITCH to Green Flagship initiative, aim to provide a network between different
levels of government, stakeholders and SMEs in energy related topics. The networking communities
can gain several beneficial insights from identified best practices, such as Living labs, transferring
and capitalization activities. Given the aspects of specified best practices, they primarily focus on
how to establish a network of stakeholders to co-create new solutions, how to transfer knowledge
and improve competences of PAs and SMEs and how to mainstream the recommendations to
policy makers in field of green energy. The networking communities present a great channel for
further exploitation of the developed methodologies, approaches for increasing knowledge and R&I
competences, funding and policy, and also tools and pilot actions in the field of energy refurbishment
and green public procurement.
The last considered communities are less energy but more socially oriented, the so-called Social
and creative communities like MED Social and Creative Community. Several examples of best
practices, such as GRASPINNO Living Labs, Energy Virtuous Living Lab, CEPPI Living Lab,
Green fund Living lab, eco-innovation investments also have a social effect, providing and
encouraging the social and other innovations. These best practices are benefitting the social and
creative communities in Mediterranean by enabling the transfer and replicability of e-GPP practices
and developing novel instruments for coaching and mentoring.
By spreading the experience and knowledge on similar energy related challenges among MED
countries, the efforts needed for addressing those issues can be significantly reduced. GRASPINNO
and other best practices provided essential methods, knowledge, experience and tools for greener and
more sustainable growth, while focusing on green electronic procurement for energy refurbishment
of public buildings. The results and lessons learned from best practices were found beneficial for
further exploitation through the relevant networks and communities. Best practices enable transfer
of knowledge on energy refurbishment and green public and so also forming more effective policies
for energy refurbishment of buildings.
74
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index.php?id=5175&L=1
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http://peppol.eu/
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eu/
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best_practices.asp
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locarbo/
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community: https://social-and-creative.interreg-med.eu/
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rcn/93875/factsheet/en
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GRASPINNO

Prepared by University of Maribor

DB Database (for e-GPP)

Definitions of best practices vary, some of them are:

When considering networking facilities in our document, we have in mind an interconnected

1. Methodologies for increasing green refurbishment of buildings, which provide common

4. Tools for energy refurbishment of buildings, which improve performance of stakeholders

5. Pilot actions, supporting energy refurbishment of buildings enable active participation

2. Decision support instruments: supporting instruments for tenders or strategical choices

3. Green assessment: assessment procedures and tools, used to guarantee environmental

Table: 1. BEST PRACTICES BY CATEGORY AND THEMATIC ISSUES

BEST PRATICES DECISION ENERGY

GRASPINNO Public procurement

GRASPINNO Living Lab methodology

GRASPINNO Pilot methodology

Methodology for energy efficient

OPEN HOUSE methodology

GRASPINNO Living Labs

GRASPINNO transferring knowledge

GRASPINNO capitalizing knowledge

Energy Virtuous Living Lab

CEPPI Living Lab

Green Fund Living Labs

Increasing knowledge on smart SEAP

BUILD-UPON renovation strategies

Improving policy instruments

BEST PRATICES DECISION ENERGY

Electronic green public procurement

tool (e-GPP) for PAs

Electronic green public procurement

Ex-ante LCC tool

Ex-post LCC tool

GRASP green procurement platform

Service-oriented platform e-PRIOR

Decision support tool PrioritEE

GRASPINNO pilot actions

EU-GUGLE pilot actions

1.1. GRASPINNO BEST PRACTICES

GRASPINNO METHODOLOGY ON GREEN ELECTRONIC PUBLIC PROCUREMENT FOR

University of Patras, Contact person:

Department of Civil Engineering Marousi Konstantina

Panepstimioupoli, Rio 26504 +30 6978842158

Infrastructure and public (service) provider

Target group Local public authority

Regional public authority

National public authority

• describe general standards and specifications for green eProcurement

LL METHODOLOGY AS A DECISION SUPPORT INSTRUMENT TO CREATE JOINT

Infrastructure and public (service) provider

Local public authority

National public authority

GRASPINNO D4.1 Report on Living Labs

More information GRASPIINO D4.2 Findings from Living Labs

GRASPINNO PILOT METHODOLOGY FOR REALIZATION OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY

GRASPINNO partners Regional public authority

Local public authority SMEs

GRASPINNO D3.1.2 Pilot Action Plans

More information GRASPINNO D3.10.6. Overall evaluation report on the pilots

Best practice title A METHODOLOGY FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING REFURBISHMENT

Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI)

• Identification of retrofit options,

• Validation and verification.

Local public authority SMEs