SOCIALNRG

??? Europe is not ready for extreme heat. We talk a lot about winter energy poverty,?but nearly?1 out of 5 of all EU households?struggle to keep cool in summer. Heatwaves already kill?48,000 people a year.?And yet, cooling is still an afterthought in most policies. Read this report by Marine Cornelis for the European Commission:?Framing Summer Energy Poverty.?It outlines what’s missing in EU and national policies,?and what we need to do next. She also quotes the Covenant of Mayors - Europe where it is clearly highlighted that "initiatives such as self-consumption, energy sharing or energy communities enable residents to invest collectively in renewable energy projects, reducing individual energy costs and encouraging community ownership of local energy resources. These communities are particularly beneficial in low-income areas, as they allow residents to access affordable cooling solutions during the summer months without increasing their energy load." Read the report:?https://lnkd.in/eg8b-Fun

While our SOCIALNRG team is reading your personal experiences involving energy communities, we wanted to share a story that shows how small towns, with just 2,200 inhabitants, can help citizens consume, produce, and share renewable energy. In 2020, Magliano Alpi, a small municipality in Italy, launched its first Renewable Energy Community under the Energy City Hall initiative. By joining the "Manifesto of Energy Communities," the town empowered its citizens to become prosumers—people who both consume and produce renewable energy. With a 20 kWp photovoltaic system installed on the Town Hall, the project is providing clean energy to public buildings and residents. The community is growing, with plans to connect more citizens and businesses to the shared energy network, fostering local short supply chains and creating jobs through a cooperative of technicians and artisans. Now, neighbouring cities are curious to explore how they can apply this model locally. https://lnkd.in/dpq2K7KY Stay tuned for more ways of doing coming straight from our network. https://lnkd.in/exBGTdid

A stark reality that demands action—not acceptance. ?? More than 1 out of 10 people in the EU do not live in a sufficiently warm home in 2023, new figures from EU's statistical service, Eurostat show. While the situation in Belgium, Slovenia, or Italy–the three countries where SOCIALNRG is building energy communities–is not the most dire, our impact is far-reaching. Renewable energy systems are entering the homes of social housing tenants–a technology turning what was once considered a privilege for the few into an accessible reality. Once we get a firm grasp on the right actions, lessons learnt, the dos and don'ts, we will support our EU neighbours in taking this path—bringing energy to communities for real.

Are you part of an energy community that leads the way out of energy poverty? Are you creating impactful, citizen-led solutions that revolve around energy justice? ?? We want to learn from your work. Sharing your story—whether it’s a major breakthrough or the day-to-day challenges of making change happen—could provide real inspiration for others. Your insights could also help shape practical strategies and blueprints to address energy poverty across Europe. SOCIALNRG recognises the power of community-driven action. By gathering experiences from on-the-ground initiatives, we aim to identify what works, what doesn’t, and what can be done better. Your contributions could play a crucial role in advocating for stronger support for energy communities at the policy level, pushing for more responsive and effective measures from decision-makers. Our partner, Heleen from REScoop.eu would be happy to take the conversation further. ?? Reach out to her by February 7, 2025 on [email protected]

The City of Athens is setting a European benchmark by taking decisive action against energy poverty. In a groundbreaking move, the Greek capital will also become the first city in Europe to exempt energy-poor households from municipal taxes for cleaning and lighting, following the Municipal Council's approval of this measure. ?? It is motivating for SOCIALNRG to see that completed EU-funded projects have a long-lasting impact. The Mayor of Athens has also been working with the Energy Poverty Alleviation Office in the city which has been set up as part of the Horizon project, POWERPOOR_EU to act as a one-stop shop for vulnerable households, providing guidance and support to citizens to improve energy efficiency, help households lower energy costs, and facilitate access to public funding opportunities. Read more in this piece by the Covenant of Mayors - Europe: https://lnkd.in/dqWX3n6w #energypoverty #LIFEproject #socialimpact

It was time for the Brussels world to meet SOCIALNRG! ?? At the Right to Energy Forum, our project coordinator, Housing Europe, unveiled our mission: to build lasting energy communities for 460 families within just three years. This ambitious ???? -funded initiative brings together social and cooperative housing providers from Belgium, Italy, and Slovenia, working to support low-income residents as they face soaring energy costs. Who has rolled up their sleeves on the ground? 3 PILOTS Woonland ???? is leading the transformation of the Kriekenijvelden neighbourhood in the Belgian town Mechelen, with plans for fossil-free homes and a potential district heating network. Klimaan is providing expertise in sustainable energy and renovation solutions to help Woonland make Mechelen’s transformation a reality. Finabita ????, one of Italy's largest housing cooperatives, installing solar panels in Cinisello Balsamo to empower residents with affordable, renewable energy. Backing Finabita's solar projects, ènostra is helping residents take control of their energy use and ensuring a fair energy transition. Stanovanjsko podjetje (STAN) ???? is revamping homes in Ravne na Koro?kem, Slovenia with deep renovations, including heat pumps and prefabricated facades, to bring sustainable energy solutions to vulnerable households. Focus, dru?tvo za sonaraven razvoj / Focus Association for Sustainable Development is supporting the Slovenian pilot with community engagement and climate education. The Institute for Innovation and Development of University of Ljubljana (IRI UL) is partnering with us to measure attitudes toward energy poverty and community participation, ensuring that the voices of residents shape the future of energy communities. In Brussels, Housing Europe is working closely with REScoop.eu which has solid experience in overcoming energy cooperative hurdles. Finally, our coordinator, Housing Europe is pushing beyond the provision of affordable housing to focus on social cohesion and innovation in sustainable renovation, redefining public, cooperative, and social housing as a testing ground for climate solutions. Their network of 43,000 housing providers will evaluate the three pilot projects, setting benchmarks, lead the communication strategy for SOCIALNRG, and ensure the long-term sustainability and replication of successful outcomes in another 9 European countries. LIFE Programme #energypoverty #energycommunities #socialhousing #coophousing