In HU energy cooperative was planned to be developed, but the critically slow process of setting up the framework for such organizations prohibited to concretely form such group. In order to pilot as much possible community-based solutions, Hungarian project partners have decided to select different types of smaller pilot actions to i) reach as much energy saving as possible ii) in different, but most GHG emitting sectors (transport, buildings).
Quadruple helix approach was applied for the pilot selection and implementation, involving the citizens as main stakeholders for energy savings promotion, NGOs, SMEs and other stakeholders as well. They were involved primarily by the Municipality of Zugló (public authority, project partner).
Four local actions were implemented in Budapest 14th District (Zugló) with the involvement of local communities. Pilot1 Energy monitoring system was launched in 40 local public institutes of Zugló municipality. Prior to this ENES-CE initiative, the energy consumption data of the public buildings were collected and documented in various systems: some institutes have super modern smart metering systems, some of them pay the bills on a flat rate, other consumers read the meter once a year. Pilot2 Let’s green together! The aim of the pilot project is to create small local communities that become active, responsible and support each other in various green topics such as energy saving, composting, shopping and so on. One of the pillars of the Let's Green Together project is the District EcoCircles, organized by the Association of Conscious Consumers and launched at the beginning of November 2021. The Chamber-themed EcoCircles focus on the sustainability and practical aspects of food. Pilot3 Eco-Map of Zugló - a virtual compass towards sustainability: www.zugloiokoterkep.hu. The Zugló Eco-Map is an online map that provides tips and local information for a green, conscious and sustainable lifestyle, e.g green businesses, repair workshops, community composting bins, recycling centres etc. The map was tested and filled with content in cooperation with green communities and NGOs in Zugló. Pilot4: Community bike storage is needed because in urban environments, condominiums often do not have adequate indoor storage space for bicycles, especially when it comes to vehicles that can carry children or luggage, but no such possibility was existing in Hungary yet. Minor investments have ensured suitable and neat place for the facility and energy efficiency improvements of the property.
The storage facility also acts as a community lending facility: residents using the storage facility can also offer their bikes for hire. Given that emissions from transport are a major contributor to climate change, reducing the use of motorized, individual modes and switching to cycling is a huge step forward in living a climate-friendly lifestyle. Interested citizens can easily join the community and use the facility by filling in a simple google form. Contract template has been developed and shared to ensure replicability.
Pilots 1-3 were coordinated by Municipality of Zugló, while 4th one by Energiaklub.
Pilot1 Measure together! - extended to all the institutions and buildings owned by Municipality. Thanx to the results of the visualized database and policy recommendations the decision makers will support necessary retrofitting investments.
Pilot2 Let’s green together! Zuglo supports the networking of local stakeholders and green initiations. Also served as the main engagement tool for Zugló Energy Group.
Pilot3 zuglookomap.hu needs regular upgrading and would be necessary to re-print the printed version yearly. We are sure that more and more districts will replicate the action as we received many questions from other cities and districts.
Pilot4: its uptake is not yet planned officially, but probably other communities or neighborhoods will replicate the action in the district or even in other districts or cities. The expected results are that more and more citizens switch to cycling and the modal split of the district will become more sustainable in the long term.