Baza danych projektów PROW
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