GreenDependent Institute (GDI) held a workshop titled 'The human factor in energy consumption and climate change: Why do we use so much and how do we change it?' on 26th November to disseminate the results of ENERGISE for the Hungarian experts and discuss outcomes and their future application in Hungary with them.

Experts from the energy sector, national and municipal level decision-makers, members of NGOs and other stakeholders attended the workshop. Edina Vadovics (GDI) and Kristof Vadovics (GDI) shared information about the experiences of ENERGISE Living Labs as well as the ENERGISE database.

At the event the following issues were introduced and discussed:

• main findings and outcomes of the project;
• the factors influencing our everyday behaviour, practices and consumption;
• introduction of the methodology and results of the ENERGISE Living Labs.

After the presentations seasonal, partly organic food and beverage was served, and participants had a chance to change ideas during lunchtime.

In the afternoon three working groups shared thoughts about how to integrate the 'human factor' into the everyday practices:

• the first group focused on policy and strategic planning;
• the second group focused on organisations and their role in this topic;
• while the third group involved those interested in working with households and communities.

Working in groups was an efficient method of encouraging people for active participation, and many future plans and good pracices were mentioned and summarized at the end of the group meetings. 

Following the workshop the GreenDependendent Institute will also calculate the carbon footprint of the event (including the footprint of travelling, food and beverage, energy consumption of the venue as well as organisation) and will offset the emitted carbon-dioxide in the form of planting native fruit trees.

A video is also available about the entire ENERGISE project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4-vDfkWMeU&feature=emb_logo