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RDP project database

Improving Quality of LIfe through Smart Household Water and Energy Consumption

Summary

This project was about improving the ability of families to manage their household water and energy consumption efficiently.

Background

The activities of the Association of Companion Builders are mainly related to families living in unhealthy housing conditions and are based on improvement through self-rehabilitation. With this project, the association explored a new field of activity – providing assistance to families regarding the optimising of household energy and water consumption. This work addresses budgetary issues for the accompanied families, and also environmental and heritage aspects.

Objective

The project goal was to improve the participating families’ ability to measure and manage household energy and water consumption so as to diminish household expenditure. In addition to this, the project aimed to facilitate meetings where villagers could exchange experiences on managing household consumption, self-rehabilitation techniques and/or accommodation maintenance.

Main activities

The main project activities were: i) establishment of an action plan in partnership with local actors (including a habitat improvement association and social workers; ii) mobilisation and two days training of families and volunteers to become ‘green ambassadors’ of good practices; and iii) assisting volunteer families in using water and energy measurement tools and adopting simple everyday activities that help reduce household consumption.

Results & Benefits

Four ambassador families in three municipalities were mobilised and equipment for measuring and limiting consumption was installed in 24 volunteer households (savings €100 per year in electricity and 50m3 of water). The association built strong partnership with local actors involved in sustainable development and energy saving. The project strengthened the social ties between the families involved. The positive experience encouraged similar initiatives in other parts of the region.

Lessons learnt

In general, mobilising ambassador families was a difficult task due to people’s lack of time; however mobilisation during organised events was welcomed. Also partnership with local organisations had a key role for smooth project delivery. It was important both in mobilising inhabitants and in making the monitoring skills available to the accompanied families.

Project location and other information

The project was implemented in the Centre region of France

Region

Centre

RDP Territory

Hexagone

Total project cost (€)

19 581

EAFRD contribution (€)

10 770

Contact name

Virginie BOIREAU

Languages for contact

French

At a glance

Country

France

Final beneficiary type

Other

Budget range

< €20 000

Start date:

01/04/2009

End Date:

01/10/2010

Theme / Measure:

• Rural Quality of Life & Economic Diversification
• Improving quality of life in rural areas
• 321. Basic services for the economy and rural population

Keywords:

Skills acquisition, Social services, Leader, Energy efficiency , Water

Last update

13/05/2014