This report analyses in three steps the barriers and success factors specific to nine previously selected policy approaches. Starting with the systemic identification of barriers and success factors to each policy approach, it then discusses the main factors hampering and enabling these E1st policies in an expert consultation. The results are visualised in so-called ‘implementation maps’ summarising the main barriers and possible solutions to the implementation of the E1st concept as well as the related legislative and non-legislative changes required.

As shown in previous research (ENEFIRST 2020a-d), the full implementation of E1st requires the concerted action of several stakeholder groups along the decision-making process as well as better harmonisation of EU and national regulatory frameworks. Our analysis generally shows that adaptation of EU legislation is needed to overcome (some of) the barriers but that many institutional barriers require interventions by national and local authorities to enable capacity building and additional resources in regulatory agencies and implementing organisations to realise the concepts and policy approaches.

The consultation with EU and national experts confirmed that more specific guidance is needed from EU level but that implementation of the E1st principle also requires close cooperation between national and regional levels, especially in the buildings and district heating sectors where most decision-making takes place locally.