The International Energy Agency established in 2011 an Implementing Agreement within the Energy in Buildings and Communities Program to undertake research and provide an international focus on Cost Effective Energy and Carbon Emissions Optimization in Building Renovation (EBC Annex 56). The project aimed at developing a new methodology to enable cost effective renovation of existing buildings while optimizing energy consumption and carbon emissions reduction. Gathering of case studies was one of the activities undertaken to reach the overall project objectives. Among the case studies, a selection of “Shining Examples” was made to encourage decision makers to promote efficient and cost effective renovations. This paper presents the results of the analyses made on these Shining Examples.