ACCTING aims to understand the impact of Green Deal policies on vulnerable groups, prevent inequalities, and produce knowledge and innovations to advance behavioural change at individual and collective levels for an inclusive and equal European Green Deal. Read our report on all 693 mapped initiatives.

Cycling for all 

Sykkelkjøkkenet Oslo (SKO) is a volunteer-based initiative that promotes cycling and bike repair skills in Oslo. Located in the Old Town, the project provides free services for anyone wanting to learn how to repair their bike or fix minor issues. SKO’s mission is to build a cycling culture while fostering a community of learning and sustainability. 

Repair, reuse, and recycle 
At SKO, visitors can access all the necessary tools and parts to fix their bikes, with volunteer guides offering hands-on support. The initiative also focuses on reusing and refurbishing donated bikes and parts, contributing to the reduction of waste and making cycling more affordable and sustainable for the community. 

Empowering the underserved through cycling 
The project specifically supports young people, migrants, and low-income families, offering them an affordable and accessible means of transportation. By teaching bike repair skills, SKO enables individuals to manage their mobility without the financial burden of constant repairs or new bike purchases. 

A model for cities worldwide 
Since its founding in 2010, SKO has helped over 14,000 people, building a strong community around cycling in Oslo. With its focus on voluntary work and community involvement, the initiative offers a replicable model for other cities seeking to promote sustainable mobility and reduce transport poverty. 

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ACCTING aims to understand the impact of Green Deal policies on vulnerable groups, prevent inequalities, and produce knowledge and innovations to advance behavioural change at individual and collective levels for an inclusive and equal European Green Deal. Read our report on all 693 mapped initiatives.

Norwegian bike repair shop supports reintegration of people with former drug problems

Paahjul Oslo is a professional bicycle workshop owned by Kirkens Bymisjon. In addition to repairing bicycles, Paahjul provides job training to people with previous drug problems. By repairing bicycles at the workshop, people are doing something good for both the environment and society.

The workshop is based in Barcode in Oslo (Norway) and accepts all kinds of bicycles. The workshop manager and skilled bicycle mechanics work side by side with employees who are undergoing on-the-job training.

The initiative is sponsored by Church City Mission (in Norwegian: Kirkens Bymisjon), a diaconal foundation in Norway doing social work within alcohol care, elderly care, child welfare, mental health care and among prostitutes. The foundation also engages in religious activities with pastoral care, preaching and church work.

For people with previous drug problems
The Paahjul initiative provides a bicycle repair and reuse service, and at the same time provides a social service for the recovery and reintegration of young people who have had drug addiction problems.

Learn more about this inspiring initiative

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ACCTING aims to understand the impact of Green Deal policies on vulnerable groups, prevent inequalities, and produce knowledge and innovations to advance behavioural change at individual and collective levels for an inclusive and equal European Green Deal. Read our report on all 693 mapped initiatives.

Student-driven NGO enables car sharing since 1996 for a better environment

Trondheim Bilkollektiv is an NGO founded in 1996, and together with Bilkollektivet in Oslo and Bildeleringen in Bergen, it is Norway’s largest supplier of car sharing. The organisation aims to fully replace their members’ need for their own private car, as well as to reduce the need for parking spaces in the Trøndelag region. The initiative acquires cars by purchasing, leasing, or renting in another way, and enables its members to share the vehicles. Through this, the NGO contributes to a greener city and a better environment with fewer cars and less unnecessary driving.

Not only for students
The establishment of Trondheim Bilkollektiv was student-driven. As such, concern for the environment and costs related to owning a car were important motivating factors. Students, who often have limited budgets, constitute the main target group of this initiative. In addition, a large proportion of the NGO’s members are foreign citizens who are temporarily in Norway for work or studies. The organisation has also seen an increase in the number of older members, who have often moved from detached houses to apartments closer to the city centre.

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ACCTING aims to understand how Green Deal policies impact vulnerable groups to help prevent the worsening of inequalities in the green transition. Now in its second cycle, the project has selected case studies that explore real-world initiatives addressing the involvement of vulnerable communities in sustainability initiatives

Bergen Ecovillage: Pioneering sustainable living in Norway

Picture: © Bergen Økologiske Landsby [used with permission]

Bergen Økologiske Landsby (BØL) is an ecovillage located in Osterøy, Norway. Still in the early stages of development, this project aims to combine ecological practices with community values to create a model for sustainable businesses and lifestyles. From eco-friendly housing to green energy solutions, the village is designed to nurture both the environment and its residents.

Planning for an eco-friendly life

Bergen Ecovillage plans to build 39 homes, including detached houses, terraced homes, dormitories, and communal spaces. These houses will be made from environmentally friendly and local materials, such as wood and wood-based materials. These low-energy homes will include modern technologies such as solar panels and natural ventilation to drastically reduce energy consumption.

The energy solution aims to achieve a high degree of local self-sufficiency through local water supply and reuse, solar electricity supply, rocket mass heating, and food forestry. Combining electricity, solar panels and firewood ensures the village can meet its needs even during colder months. Roof-mounted flat solar collectors, which perform well in fair weather, will be supplemented by vacuum tube solar collectors that are efficient in cloudy and cold conditions. This combination allows for sustainable energy production year-round.

A community-driven project

The eco-village stands out by focusing not only on sustainability but also on active community participation. The two project leaders have been successful in engaging the wider community. By holding meetings and social gatherings, they have encouraged volunteers and future residents to actively participate in shaping the village’s future.

The village is intended to become a place for people from all walks of life, particularly those from low-income backgrounds who might otherwise struggle to build their own homes, as well as women and older individuals.

Envisioning a sustainable future

More than just a residential project, Bergen Ecovillage aims to evolve into a hub for local, sustainable businesses such as eco-tourism and food production. The community promotes permaculture, a method of sustainable agriculture, and offers courses to help residents and visitors learn how to grow local food. Additionally, car-sharing is encouraged to reduce the environmental impact of transportation within the village.

As the project continues to grow, the community is actively working on securing funding from ENOVA and other public and private institutions to make the vision a reality. In fall 2024, the project plans to establish a developing company, in cooperation with Ledaal Eiendom AS, to handle the building of the houses in 2025. A campaign will be launched to reach new members and a variety of social gatherings will be offered to new and existing members of the community.

Bergen Ecovillage is working towards creating a thriving community based on the principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and cooperation. With its innovative energy solutions, commitment to community engagement, and focus on creating local businesses, the village is set to become a leading example of how sustainable living can be accessible to everyone.

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ACCTING aims to understand how Green Deal policies impact vulnerable groups to help prevent the worsening of inequalities in the green transition. Now in its second cycle, the project has selected case studies that explore real-world initiatives addressing the involvement of vulnerable communities in sustainability initiatives

Sofienberggata 7: A model for energy-efficient renovation in Oslo, Norway

Sofienberggata 7, located in the heart of Oslo’s Grünerløkka district, is a municipally-owned building composed of 164 flats whose tenants are from vulnerable groups. Many residents face challenges such as low income, old age, disability, or being from ethnic minority backgrounds.

A much-needed energy overhaul

Built in 1979, the building was recently renovated to significantly reduce energy consumption while enhancing the quality of life for its tenants. The goal was to cut energy usage by over 70% to reduce the high energy bills that were weighing heavily on the low-income and vulnerable residents. The large-scale rehabilitation included the following key energy upgrades:

• Highly insulated facades
• An updated ventilation system
• Thermal energy wells
• Solar panels on the roof and facade

In addition to providing financial relief to those who need it most, the initiative also improved the safety and well-being of residents, with better lighting at entrances, improved fire safety, charging stations for electric bicycles and cars, and a green outdoor area to foster interactions between inhabitants.

An inspiring example of project management

Trust between the project leaders and the community was key in the success of this renovation project. The municipality took proactive steps to engage with the residents and address their concerns. The main worries were the disruption during the works and the cost of temporary relocation, but it was ensured that residents were provided with alternative accommodation during the most disruptive phases of the renovation. The success of the Sofienberggata 7 renovation is an inspiring example of how a well-planned and community-focused approach can transform energy renovation projects. As similar energy renovations are launched across Europe, this Norwegian case is a model for balancing energy efficiency upgrades with the needs of local communities, ensuring all residents are considered and cared for.

Pictures: © Pariman Boostani [used with permission]

More inspiring narratives

The impact of climate change and the capacity to mitigate its negative impacts are unevenly distributed across and within societies; it is the poorer, marginalised and vulnerable groups who are the most acutely affected. ACCTING has collected 358 narratives via individual interviews in 13 European countries to capture some of the experiences of those vulnerable groups. These narratives on inequalities in enablers and hindrances for advancing behavioural change span eight thematic research lines – each addressing an EU Green Deal policy area. Read our dataset including all 358 narratives collected.

Sonia, Norway, advocates for clearer, more efficient community energy schemes

“I am Danish, and I have been here in Trondheim for ten years. I live in a community with 200 people living in this neighbourhood. I have been a highly active part of this community for the last ten years. I am a social worker, and I also study. I have two kids, and I am married. I only share my water heater with my neighbors. The electricity prices have been fixed during these years, and I am still looking for changes in these years.

I try to keep the home temperature between 16 to 18 degrees Celsius, and my family and I wear warmer clothes during cold days. We have firewood that we use to get the temperature a bit up.

“Energy prices are rising, especially in the winter and cold days. I do not want to use less energy, but I try not to use more than my needs.”

I live in an old house, and we need more money to renovate it. Still, we try to fix the problems. For example, we isolate our windows, or I will use heavy curtains during the winter, and whenever we have a heavy windy day, I put something behind my walls to keep home warm.

There was a community project some years ago, and they encouraged us to use solar panels. But the problem was that we are from a low-income family, and how could we handle this without governmental support? There have been so many groups in recent years. I have participated in most of them, but the problem is that they are just receiving information from us, but when the time for feedback is, they disappear! They were never clear and concise, and their time frame needed to be more precise; they did not give us financial support, so all the people are now exhausted from these groups. Because they are just theory, but in practice, they do nothing for us.”

“Community projects should be concise, with details and time frames, and the participant’s role should be identified.”

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Photo by Oliver Cole on Unsplash

ACCTING aims to understand the impact of Green Deal policies on vulnerable groups, prevent inequalities, and produce knowledge and innovations to advance behavioural change at individual and collective levels for an inclusive and equal European Green Deal. This bottom-up initiative was collected within the Sustainable Mobility research line. Read our report on all 693 mapped initiatives.

Oslo, Norway

Supporting the independence of senior citizens

As life expectancy continues to rise, the Nordic region is seeing a steady increase in an ageing population. The municipality of Oslo, Norway, initiated a series of action to make the city more age friendly.

The overall vision of the work follows the WHO’s overarching definition of creating an age-friendly city that is inclusive, with an available and accessible urban environment that promotes active ageing. The initiative covers different areas:

• Social participation: All citizens have the opportunity to participate in society, engage in public debate and be involved in influencing the developments of the city.
• Transport: All citizens have access to the entire city, use public transport and feel safe while travelling. Senior citizens maintain their mobility and independence.
• Housing: Familiar environments and adapted surroundings promote safety. Adapted housing offers a foundation for enabling more seniors to master everyday life in their own homes.
• Outdoor areas and physical activity: Urban spaces and green areas in neighbourhoods are adapted for use by all age groups.
• Communication and participation: The senior population in Oslo has access to relevant, understandable, up-to-date, and reliable information.
• Health and care services: Seniors receive good help and comprehensive support when they need it, and experience a sense of achievement and safety in their lives.

A specific transportation service is being tested in several city districts. It includes door-to-door transportation with space for rollators and usually has one wheel chair spot per ride, targeting a user group above the age of 67. The driver is trained to handle older people with mobility or cognitive challenges. This type of age-friendly transportation is new to Oslo and combines social interaction and user-friendliness. The concessionary ticket price and prospect of socialising are good motivators for getting out and about more often than before. In addition to the individual’s benefit of the age-friendly transportation service, it also has a more positive environmental footprint than individual taxi services.

Find out more here.

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Photo: Anne-Marie Pos on Unsplash

ACCTING aims to understand the impact of Green Deal policies on vulnerable groups, prevent inequalities, and produce knowledge and innovations to advance behavioural change at individual and collective levels for an inclusive and equal European Green Deal. This bottom-up initiative was collected by Antonio Carnevale within ACCTING’s mapping of inspiring practice cases, within the Biodiversity Research Line. Read our report on all 693 mapped initiatives.

Experimental Housing, Norway

Developing a unique concept

The Experimental Housing is a self-built project at an abandoned “experimental site” at Svartlamon. Trygve Ohren and Haakon Haanes, and Cathrine Johansen Haanes from Nysom Arkitekter, initiated the concept in 2013 to work towards a more frugal and sustainable use of resources while encouraging self-building.

Over the following years, the creative architects continued to develop the project with the involvement of the Svartlamon locals. After five years of preparation and construction, everyone moved in before 2018.

Promoting social cohesion and inclusion

The innovative idea is an adaptable architectural framework of five compact row houses connected with a common house, that self-builders can adapt according to their needs and tastes utilising discarded or reused materials. The primary design standards were that the houses were easy to build without the assistance of specialist (apart from the plumbing and electricity), fit into the current structure of low-rise wooden constructions at Svartlamon, and have a minimal environmental impact.

The project is also a critique of the idea that a sustainable architecture can only be achieved by technological solutions to ensure energy efficiency. The initiative promotes a dissimilar definition to sustainability: the ability to adjust to the environment while using the available resources. The Experimental Housing is an attempt to address energy poverty while fostering social inclusion and cohesiveness. The collaboration between the Svartlamon’s locals and the exchange of professionalism improved energy efficiency on a budget and in an inclusive way.

Find out more here.

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