The final event of the ENERGISE Living Labs was held on the 6th of April in Gödöllő (Hungary), organised by GreenDependent Institute. The great majority of 41 households participating in the laundry and heating challenges came to the event with their families, therefore more than 100 people celebrated together the successful closure of Living Labs.

Kristóf Vadovics (GDI) and József Pelyhe (vice mayor of the town of Gödöllő) welcomed those appearing, and appreciated their enthusiasm and active participation during the programme. After that, Edina Vadovics (GDI) presented the results achieved. She mentioned that cc. 75% of the households were able to reduce the number of washing cycles. Related to the heating challenge, also three quarters of the families could reduce indoor temperature, and started to use new practices (e.g. warming themselves instead of the whole house). It was also worth mentioning that families were able to further reduce energy use after finishing the challenges, which is a very promising result in terms of long-term impacts of the project.

After sharing the achievements, four experts gave presentations about further energy saving practices and how to become a conscious energy producer.

Zoltán Baranyák (energy expert) talked about the advantages of renewable energy, with special attention to solar panels.

Attila Ertsey (eco engineer) talked about active and autonomous houses, and presented the concept of straw bale houses with low energy demand.

Alexa Botár (Friends of the Earth, Hungary) and Ágnes Szalkai-Lőrincz (Energy Efficient Wekerle Civil Association) talked about community energy and mentioned a good practice about aiding the proper insulation of family houses.

During the presentations kids were animated in an other room by a creative group during the whole afternoon.

After the presentations and discussions, delicious, locally produced, seasonal food as well as Fair Trade coffee, tea and juices were served to the participants.

The dinner was followed by tombola and folk dance. At the end of the event, each household was given 4 native fruit trees to offset carbon footprint of the ELL events, as well as to bear delicious fruit in the future.

We wish all the participants to continue ther enthusiasm in the field of energy saving efforts!