EIE-ISEES - Improving the social dialogue for Energy Efficient Social Housing

The purpose of ISEES was to examine the rationality behind the consumers’ choices and the influence of the individual user behaviour on the energy demand in social housing.

Client

European Commission  

Duration

2006-2007

Partner
  • KWI Consultants & Engineers
  • ACE Group; ESD
  • City Plan
  • Energy Centre Bratislava
  • Lithuanian Energy Institute
  • Sofia Energy Centre

The purpose of ISEES was to examine the rationality behind the consumers’ choices and the influence of the individual user behaviour on the energy demand in social housing. It developed solutions to integrate energy efficiency and renewable energy measures in social housing based on a concept using “social dialogue”. The dialogue was targeted at involving all stakeholders – tenants/owners of dwellings, housing associations, municipalities and energy service providers – into the refurbishment process, to develop efficient and feasible models of user participation and implement exemplary participation processes in planned or ongoing renovation activities.

Furthermore, through the action the quality of services provided by utilities and district heating companies was assessed, and concrete solutions provided to overcome barriers on the way to achieve energy efficient social housing.

Model buildings have been identified in the 5 participating countries, namely Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Slovak Republic and the United Kingdom. During the heating season 2006/07, energy behaviour of tenants has been continuously measured. Using this measured data the participants in the ach country have attempted to advocate the development of a model refurbishment process, with respect to the engagement and inclusion of all stakeholders in the process, in the hope that the refurbishment will provide additional value to all than would have otherwise been the case.

Achieved results
The main activities of the ISEES project were related to the following:

  • Socio-economic analysis: (quantitative and qualitative) surveys and interviews with energy suppliers and tenants (in selected pilot buildings, and tenants especially participating in user behaviour measurement programme)
  • Assessment of the user behaviour through a standardised monitoring scheme using specific equipment installed in 5 flats of one model building in 5 countries (over a full heating period)
  • Pilot activities to realise a social dialogue in the target buildings