The increase in energy efficiency reduces the life cycle costs of real estate and is a key component in achieving global climate goals. In the construction and operation of public buildings, the state must take on a role model function. Due to the ongoing budget deficits of the public sector, the alternative procurement method of Public-Private Partnerships is gaining increasing importance. Robin Heidel demonstrates how PPP construction projects must be designed to ensure energy-efficient operation. He develops a reference model with process descriptions for the individual project phases. Using a practical example, he illustrates the potential benefits of the model.