On Friday, June 6, 2025, a focused roundtable session brought together experts (e.g., national public authorities, financial institutions, other institutions, interest groups, sectoral agency, higher education and research) to evaluate and improve the design and implementation of building renovation measures in Slovenia. The event served as a platform to reflect on the practical and policy implications of the upcoming Climate Law, the revised NECP (National Energy and Climate Plan), and the long-term renovation strategy.
Participants discussed systemic barriers, funding challenges, and the integration of energy efficiency with seismic safety. Special attention was given to the role of municipalities, the introduction of new governance mechanisms like the Climate Council, and the importance of clear communication and stakeholder coordination.
Key Discussions:
· Urgency for deep renovation: Slovenia must drastically accelerate building renovations to meet its 2045 net-zero targets. Current progress is too slow, and only 15–20% of renovations are comprehensive.
· Seismic safety and energy renovation must align: Stakeholders raised concerns about energy retrofits on seismically vulnerable buildings. It was proposed that seismic assessments become a prerequisite for deep renovation subsidies, especially for buildings constructed before 1964.
· Education and workforce development: The shortage of qualified workers in sustainable construction remains a critical bottleneck. Continuous training, certification, and stronger quality control were identified as key actions.
· New financial and policy tools: Proposals included progressive subsidies for phased renovations, tax reliefs for sustainable investments, and the expansion of zero-interest loans. The ELENA mechanism, the “building passport” model, and the MESTRI-CE Green Financing Methodology were highlighted as strategic opportunities to improve project transparency, build investor confidence, and assist public entities in preparing high-quality renovation projects.
· One-Stop Shops (OSS): Participants advocated for establishing regional OSS offices to support homeowners through the renovation process. These centers would act as coordination hubs without distorting private market dynamics.
Conclusion:
The session made clear that Slovenia’s building sector stands at a turning point. While policy ambitions are high, their realization depends on overcoming long-standing technical, regulatory, and financial barriers. Success will require a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach – grounded in clear governance, stable funding, local expertise, and active communication.