A workshop “Scaling Up Energy Efficiency in Buildings in the Western Balkans” organised by the World Bank with the support of the Secretariat was held on May 15–16, 2014.

The two-day workshop brought together country representatives from all six Western Balkan Energy Community Members, decision-makers and technical experts, and practitioners from neighbouring countries who presented best practices in implementing energy efficiency programs. The objective of the workshop was to present and discuss the results of the World Bank’s technical assistance activities on energy efficiency in buildings in the Western Balkans. The workshop focused on four topics: (i) establishing and operationalizing an Energy Efficiency Revolving Fund; (ii) energy service company (ESCO) business models and market development; (iii) municipal financing and budgeting practices for energy efficiency in public buildings; and (iv) residential energy efficiency financing and incentive programs.

The experience of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Sources Fund in Bulgaria was represented as good practice by its Executive Director, Mr. Dimitar Doukov.