Energy transition through the eyes of local residents

Solar panels, heat pumps, electric cars … The energy transition brings with it a wide range of technological solutions. But what if, as a social housing tenant, you cannot install solar panels yourself, or simply cannot afford an electric car?

Lena collected stories from local residents about their experiences with energy advice. These conversations revealed that many residents do not feel addressed by the conventional graphs, technical explanations and advice surrounding the energy transition. At the same time, the transition has a major impact on their daily lives: on how they live andget around, but also on how they live together.

Their experiences, concerns and ideas formed the basis for Samen stroomopwaarts, an exhibition held at seven locations across the neighbourhood last June. Through audio, video and installations, residents were given a voice in the debate about the future of their neighbourhood.

Because the energy transition will shape the future of a neighbourhood, it is important that every voice is heard. All too often, residents remain in the background when plans are made to improve the energy efficiency of a building. - Lena Verlooy

The exhibition was part of the international CO2PED research project and was organised by Ghent University and Endeavour, with contributions from SAAMO Gent, Luca School of Arts en Huis+, among others.

• Watch the Aftermovie

CO2PED

CO2PED project aims to build concrete tools to strengthen the urban transformative capacity of stakeholders towards developing positive energy districts (PEDs) in vulnerable neighbourhoods. CO2PED is a Driving Urban Transition (DUT) funded project in the Positive Energy Districts (PED) Transition Pathway. This project engages with 8 representative neighbourhoods in Belgium, Estonia, the Netherlands, and Portugal. Through an intensive transdisciplinary research process, CO2PED is a 3-year collaboration between universities, public authorities and neighbourhood stakeholders