Public buildings in the BSR and Europe occupy significant space, accounting for approximately 40% of the total energy consumption, up to 36% of the GHG emissions and a substantial proportion of the municipal budget. The European Commission reports that only 1% of buildings undergo energy-efficient renovations each year. In fact, technical, operational and behavioural measures must go hand in hand. A study by the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicates that a combination of these measures can achieve up to a 30% reduction in energy consumption. Unfortunately, unclear responsibilities and diffusion of responsibility hinder progress, leading to stagnation and frustration. The diverse uses and user groups of public buildings and varying structural conditions complicate efforts to enhance energy efficiency and present unique obstacles. In order to tackle these challenges, local public authorities and the building users require better cooperation and participation processes and knowledge-base about effective behavioural measures.

Focus of Flip-EC is on establishing the commitment and involvement of the users, based on the incremental but long-lasting behavioural change. Flip-EC solves structural hurdles, diffusion of responsibilities and lack of awareness of both target groups, brings them and their interests together to ultimately promote a faster and more durable implementation of energy-saving measures and ensure efficient and needs-based operation of public buildings.