Societal values are strongly formed by public models; this is also true for buildings. It is easier to gain people’s attention to the need for change, to significantly increase the quantity and quality of energy-efficient retrofits in Europe when public authorities and governments are adopting the appropriate approach. It is therefore important to demonstrate exemplary solutions at frequently used buildings like schools, universities, and science centers. Based on the concept of the Living Labs and the New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiatives, NEB–LAB initiative (www. eco2- schoo ls. eu/) will work as a ‘think and do tank' to co-create, prototype or even test new tools, solutions, and policy recommendations in the school settings toward more holistic or even challenging Whole–School Approaches. Hence, through the NEB—LAB, school communities will: (i) develop citizen awareness—raising activities spreading the concept of energy and resource—efficient building and renovating, and (ii) promote education and training for sustainability, helping all actors (school staff, students, families, citizens) development competences and positive behaviors toward an environmentally respectful energy use.