GreenDependent Institute

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EnergyNeighbourhoods (IEE)

 

EnergyNeighbourhoods project

 

GreenDependent Institute is taking part in organizing the international competition ‘Energy Neighbourhoods’ which started in the autumn of 2011, with the participation of numerous families.

These days, the general consensus is that carbon emissions must be reduced, not only for the sake of our environment, but also for more tangible money-saving reasons. Continuous increases in energy prices cause many households and communities to want to actively do something, but often they are not aware of exactly what could be done, or think that a lack of money will hinder them from cutting their consumption - and therefore their emissions.

The Energy Neighbourhoods Program helps to ensure that a clear connection is made between climate change and everyday life. The goal is making energy savings, without reducing the quality of life. The competition helps participants understand through information and guidance what they can do at home to save energy without making investments. The programme offers expert advice and support in addition to assisting other families to work together, thereby supporting each other. The two-year program is designed to show families, through comprehensive awareness-raising about climate and energy use, how simple changes in behavior can result in huge savings of both energy and money.

16 European Union member countries are participating in the programme. In each country, the project is made up of 5-10 member small family/community groups (i.e. ‘Energy Neighbourhoods’) and is motivated by the goal of making energy savings of 9% (2,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions reduction), in line with EU commitments. The part national, part EU-level competition is based on seeing who can reach the goal of making savings of 9% – and if this goal can be bettered.

In some communities, climate-coordinators (or energy masters) will work together to help and motivate the communities. In Hungary, the GreenDependent Institute is training the climate change coordinators (energy masters) and providing them with ongoing professional support.

The program goal of the consortium partners in Europe is to:

  • reach about 10,000 to 20,000 people,
  • develop about 800 Energy Neighbourhoods,
  • train 800 climate coordinators (energy masters),
  • make a minimum of 9% energy savings at participating households
  • reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approx.2,000 tonnes
  • assist participants to connect their expenditure with protecting the environment,
  • generate a relaxed environment in which participants feel good and feel part of the process of community building!

The Energy Neighbourhoods competition facilitates the work of local governments who are operating in the public and community sphere as the basic concept of the competition is that local governments should call the population to participate. Since Hungary joined the program this has been a great opportunity for the local governments who were among the first to participate as sponsors - with all the technical and communication benefits that brings to both parties .The government's role, in addition to moral and, possibly infrastructural and other support, is to support local Energy Neighbourhoods and Climate Coordinators (Energy Masters).

The first program runs from 2011 December 1st to 2012 March 31 and the competition is hosted on the Internet. During this time, the participants’ utility consumption is measured, and shared creative ideas for energy saving are developed and collected. GreenDependent provides professional support staff for the volunteer coordinators (energy masters) and Energy Neighbourhoods. Each Community has its own coordinator who assists the members to find the best and most creative energy saving ideas.

One main goal is to motivate and strengthen local communities. In time we learn from each other and encourage more families to change! We work in a relaxed atmosphere, have positive feelings about ourselves and in doing our work become part of our communities. Energy is also saved in the competition – so everyone wins!

Participation is free and prior knowledge about climate change is not needed!

You do not need anything other than a utility METER and each household should be aware of their previous year’s consumption, because during the competition you need to know how much energy was used in the preceding year. On this basis we will calculate your energy savings.

If you have changed your place of residence in the last year, you can still participate in the competition!

Useful information about local governments.

Useful information for interested families.

Useful information about our climate coordinators/energy masters.

The project promotional poster and brochure.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PROJECT WAS COMPLETED IN 2013. HOWEVER, IN HUNGARY IT WAS CONTINUED AS THE E.ON ENERGYNEIGHBOURHOODS PROGRAMME (IN 2016 ALREADY IN ITS 4TH YEAR/SEASON). YOU CAN FIND FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE RESULTS BELOW, OR THE CONTINUATION AT THE DESCRIPTION OF THE E.ON ENERGYNEIGHBOURHOODS PROGRAMME.

The program is under the patronage of Dr. Sándor Fülöp, Parliamentary Commissioner for Future Generations,

Ambassador Dr. Péter Györkös, Permanent Representative of Hungary to the EU,

and under the auspices of Dr. Gémesi George and the Mayor of Godollo, President of the Association of Hungarian Local Governments.

The program also recommends the Climate Friendly Municipalities Association and the

 

Find out more information about the project and the results: EN2 final brochure

Scientific article about the program and the results:

Vadovics, E., Boza-Kiss, B. (2013) Voluntary consumption reduction - experience from three consecutive residental programmes in Hungary

Energy Neighbourhoods as a case study:

Continuation of the programme: please see our page on the E.ON EnergyNeighbourhoods programme.

Related news:

GreenDependent projects in UNEP report on fostering and communicating sustainable lifestyles

EnergyNeighbourhoods at the SCORAI workshop in Istanbul

EN2 - final event