RDP project database

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The project was implemented in the Centre region of France

Centre

Hexagone

19 581

10 770

Virginie BOIREAU

v.boireau@compagnonsbatisseurs.org

French