The 10th edition of the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) took place from the 15th until the 19th of June in Brussels and across Europe.
Since its launch in 2006 by the European Commission, the EUSEW has become a key annual event on supporting the EU's energy goals. Relevant stakeholders in the energy field get together to debate energy efficiency solutions and renewables. During the month of June, in parallel with the EUSEW, hundreds of associations, companies, NGOs, public authorities and regions across Europe organised an Energy Day. Energy Days are not-for-profit events aimed at the public and stakeholders that promote sustainable energy.
The MySmartCityDistrict (MSCD) Cluster project joined the EUSEW 2015 Energy Days by organizing Open Houses at their demo sites throughout Europe. The aim of the EU Sustainable Energy Week is to disseminate best practices, inspire new ideas and build alliances to help meet the EU’s energy and climate goals by displaying activities on energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions.
The Open House events included a range of activities to engage with residents, citizens, local communities, public authorities and other stakeholders about key milestones of the project to come and the intended final benefits.
Two-fold benefits can also be raising awareness about tangible benefits of energy efficiency measures being deployed, connecting with the entire supply-chain and support stakeholders, from local politicians and financing bodies to sub-suppliers and construction teams.
CITyFiED’s Torrelago and Linero districts worked on just such activities at their demo sites. The Linero team organised guided tours in the district for citizens, municipal staff and other interested parties. The Torrelago district focused on energy and children by inviting schools to visit the biomass boiler room and the building and by preparing an ´energy game´ together with the school teachers. Torrelagoalso organised guided tours for citizens. Soma contributed with a video message greeting Linero and Torrelago citizens and colleagues.