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.

Power to the people 

Elektropionir is a renewable energy cooperative based in Serbia, empowering citizens to take control of their energy future. Founded in 2019, it promotes sustainable, decentralised energy production through democratically managed solar projects. The cooperative connects individuals and households to produce clean energy together and advocates for fairer energy regulations. 

From rooftops to mountains 
Elektropionir builds rooftop solar plants and solar parks collectively owned by citizens. Their “Solarna Stara” project in a national park shows how solar can replace harmful hydropower. They also organise “Solartehnika narodu”, a training series teaching citizens, NGOs, local authorities and academics how to join the energy transition. 

Building a brighter, fairer grid 
The cooperative makes solar energy more accessible to middle-income citizens, aiming to expand benefits to vulnerable groups through subsidies and joint investments. It connects people to invest in larger, virtual power plants on unused urban or rural spaces, creating shared clean energy for members and revenues for local communities. 

Shining through the obstacles 
Despite progress, high upfront costs and weak regulations still limit access to solar energy. Elektropionir actively lobbies for better conditions for prosumers and energy cooperatives. Its efforts have contributed to legal recognition of prosumers and created momentum for more citizen-led energy solutions across Serbia. 

Sparking a movement 
Elektropionir’s model inspires other initiatives, like “Suncani krovovi” in Sabac. By blending education, advocacy and community ownership, it offers a scalable and inclusive alternative to fossil fuel dependency. It’s not just about energy—it’s about collective power, sustainability and social justice. 

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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.

Eliminating housing poverty in Bulgaria with focus on vulnerable groups

‘Habitat for Humanity Bulgaria’ is a public benefit foundation that works to improve housing conditions and eliminate housing poverty, and develops its activities in four key strategic areas – affordable housing construction, housing improvement financing, development of innovative products and market-based tools to improve the accessibility of housing improvements, participation in housing policies, strategic and programmatic documents.

Since launching its activity in 2001, Habitat Bulgaria has been promoting the idea of adequate housing as a basic human right and has been working to activate the public’s awareness towards eliminating housing poverty. Following the ideas and principles of partnership, community cooperation, volunteering, concern and respect for the needs of others, Habitat Bulgaria has so far built 12 new homes with the help of over 650 volunteers from more than 50 countries worldwide and has supported more than 6,000 partner families in 24 settlements in the country.

Focus on socially and ethnically vulnerable groups
The current project “Access to Energy Renovation” is addressing the severe situation of energy poverty in Bulgaria, with the focus on socially and ethnically vulnerable groups. For the “Access to Energy Renovation” project, Habitat Bulgaria carry out its advocacy activities in the following areas:

• Energy poverty and socially just differentiated grant support – priority of the low-income and energy-poor households;
• Advantages of the energy efficiency improvement of the housing stock;
• Advantages of the adoption of minimum energy performance standards;
• Carbon pricing, eco-design and energy labelling – advantages and importance.

While carrying out its activities, Habitat for Humanity Bulgaria works in close connection with a number of regional grassroot organizations in Bulgaria, mainly in the field of support for low income, social and ethnic vulnerable groups.

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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.

Building Blue Energy networks to combat energy poverty

In the city of Paphos, the Cyprus Energy Agency organized a festival of Blue Energy, which refers to the generation of electricity through the exploitation of the chemical and physical properties of water. The event was organized as part of the implementation of the European Blue Deal project, in which the Energy Agency participated as a partner.

The Blue Deal
The Blue Deal project (Blue Energy Deployment Alliance) aims to increase transnational activity of innovative clusters and networks of the Blue Energy sector, develop links and synergies between small and medium-sized enterprises, public authorities, knowledge institutions and civil society, and establish transnational and regional Blue Deal Alliances. This project creates a favourable environment for Blue Energy investments and sustainable development in the Mediterranean economy. With a budget of 2.8 million euros and 32 months of work ahead, Blue Deal integrates 12 partners from 6 countries and 9 different regions around the Mediterranean.

Through the Blue Deal project, The Cyprus Energy Agency envisions to increase transnational activity of networks, develop synergies between other organisations, public authorities, and civil society establishing new technologies. Their vision is to actively contribute to the saving of energy resources, the protection of the environment and the quality of life.

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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.

From demonstration to foundation:
Czech parents unite for climate action

At the demonstration ‘Parents for Climate’ which was held in May 2019 in Liberec (a city in Czech Republic), parents, grandparents and non-parents gathered and shared their worries about the future of humankind and the environment. This led to the foundation of the initiative ‘Rodiče za klima Liberec’ (‘Parents for Climate Liberec’) whose goal is to point out problems, raise awareness in relation to climate crisis and initiate change. The initiative is led by a mother called Anna Kšírová, and includes (single) parents and elderly people as active actors for change.

Political action
The initiative cooperates with local authorities in Liberec. It initiated the Climate Council of the municipality and takes part in it. Due to the initiative’s activities, a position of energy manager within the municipality was established. Also, a Green space adoption program was approved, through which citizens can actively participate in caring about green public spaces in the city. Finally, Parents for Climate Liberec initiated a creation of a regional Climate change adaptation plan which is one of the first of its kind in Czech Republic.

Fruitful collaborations
In addition to its political engagement, the initiative organises various activities (lectures, workshops, happenings, cultural events) and participates in activities of other initiatives, such as an event where mothers sang songs while collecting signatures against spreading a coal mine in Turow. The initiative also actively participated in a campaign called Stop Dirty Money which focuses on insurance companies. The collaborations are about supporting other initiative’s activities, as well as sharing experiences and knowledge.

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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.

Empowering people to live and work ecologically (Czech Republic)

Ekologický institute Veronica (Ecological Institute Veronica), located in Brno, Czech Republic, aims to protect nature through education, trainings and consulting. The association is registered under the Czech Union for Nature Conservation since 1991. Yet, it already started in 1986 as a local activity publishing a journal connecting culture with nature protection and raising awareness about ecology.

Focus areas
The institute focuses on protection of nature and landscapes, including protection of animals and land in both urban and rural areas; sustainable consumption; ecological operation of enterprises and institutions, pertaining to energy efficiency and biodiversity in and around buildings; and finally ecological constructions, such as passive houses, sustainable energy, energy self-sufficient towns and natural gardens.

Accessible learning about ecology
As one of their projects, the institute built an ecological training centre in Hostětín where they provide educational activities about climate protection for people with disabilities, seniors, children and the general public. The institute develops their relationship with nature, motivates them to protect the environment and shows possibilities for applying a more ecological approach in their households. In order to be accessible to anyone, the centre is adapted for people with disabilities. The institute also employs people with disabilities and others who are disadvantaged on the labour market, thus helping those who are socio-economically vulnerable.

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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.

Czech mother and son inspire local communities to produce and consume sustainable food

Bio Pekárna Zemanka (Bio Bakery Zemanka) is a producer of fair homemade organic biscuits and crackers. The bakery was founded in 2006 in a Czech town called Sedlčany by a son and his mother, who is a professional baker. They also opened a shop in Prague where they sell their freshly baked goods. The duo bakes for anyone who wants to eat healthy and sustainably and dedicates special efforts to children, including those with allergies, and vegans.

The business focuses on sustainability and environmentally friendly production. The founders purchase raw materials from Czech suppliers and local organic farmers, and process raw materials that have already been used in line with circular economy principles. They pack their products in easily recyclable packaging to minimise packaging waste, and deliver their products to packaging-free stores using shared transport to minimise carbon footprints. Thanks to this, they saved hundreds of kilos of foil and paper. Moreover, they use energy only from renewable sources.

Workshops for children
To educate, inspire and motivate children, the Bio Bakery organised online workshops in schools about its work and more generally about sustainable food production and consumption. The workshops included an introduction to the team and a virtual tour of the bakery.

Employing locals
Motivated to be more involved in the development of the Sedlčany region, the bakery owners support local projects and employ local people. They apply a progressive attitude towards their employees, having Code of Ethics, Chart of diversity, and voluntary programs for employees to participate in two days a month. The mother and son also educate their employees on ecology and sustainability. Their aim is to inspire other companies and individuals to develop sustainable businesses as well. Thanks to their efforts, they received a Green Brands award in 2021.

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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.

Reducing both food insecurity and social isolation in Ireland and beyond

FoodCloud is a social enterprise with a mission to transform surplus food into opportunities to make the world a kinder place. It exists first and foremost to reduce the environmental, social and economic impact of food waste by redistributing surplus food to a network of Charity and Community Group partners. The enterprise was established in 2013 by Iseult Ward and Aoibheann O’Brien, with a shared vision of no good food going to waste.

FoodCloud has three main lines of work:

• Connecting retailers with local charities, allowing them to donate food on a daily basis.
• Rescuing large volumes of surplus food and redistributing it to charities and communities.
• Providing technology for food banks all over the world to enhance their operations.

Collaborations
FoodCloud has many partners, among which organisations doing work on reducing food waste and connecting individuals through food all over the country. For example, the partner organisation Fionnathan Productions is building relationships in their community using food they receive from FoodCloud. Fionn Angus who has Down syndrome is connecting with his community by preparing and sharing food.

Social connection and food security
FoodCloud supports those who are vulnerable and at risk of social isolation and food insecurity, by distributing food to those groups. This includes people with disabilities, lower-income households, women, minority groups and the elderly.

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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.

Irish energy cooperative wishes the Aran Islands to be lighthouses for energy transition

Comharchumann Fuinnimh Oileáin Árann Teoranta (CFOAT or Aran Islands Energy Co-Op) is a community based, non-profit energy cooperative representing the three Aran Islands, located off the west coast of Ireland. The residents of the three islands aim to become self-sufficient in locally generated renewable energy and free of dependence on oil, coal and gas. They focus on heating, transport and energy generation. CFOAT wishes for the Aran Islands to be considered ‘Lighthouses for the Energy Transition’.

Local empowerment
CFOAT is a bottom-up initiative where citizens in the local community take power into their own hands. Energy – wind, wave and light – is available to them locally and when they harness it for their own community needs, power reverts to the locality and is taken away from the big corporations. In the process, they create sustainable communities, clean up the planet and stem climate change. Moving beyond its focus on locality, the initiative collaborates with Galway-based universities and participates in a number of EU funded projects with international partners.

Serving island communities
The Aran Island communities face low employment and education opportunities; diminishing populations; and less connectivity and access to services. Addressing these issues, the CFOAT serves elderly people, young people, as well as rural and marginalised communities living on the islands.

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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.

Campaigns for protection against fuel poverty in the United Kingdom

Fuel Poverty Action is a campaigning organisation that aims to change policy in order to protect people from fuel poverty. The initiative aims to challenge energy companies on their pricing, and pushes for policies and actions that can provide home insulation and community-owned sustainable and affordable energy.

Mobilising activists
The initiative is mainly concerned with mobilising activists in order to demand change in relation to energy policies and pricing. It does this through planning monthly meetings in London; organising coffee mornings, information sessions, and protests; coordinating conferences on topics relating to energy and fuel poverty; distributing a weekly newsletter; and lobbying decisionmakers, for example through media campaigns, interviews and report production.

No leaders
The initiative’s organisation is decentralised as a key part of its organisational philosophy. The group is directed by the collective decisions made by all members of the group, and it aims to minimise hierarchies in organisation and thus does not have any official leadership.

Relevant groups
Fuel Poverty Action is inclusive and open to all. However, given the nature of fuel poverty there are key sectors of society that are particularly relevant to the initiative – those on a low income, disabled individuals, those with young children, and older people, as well as those in receipt of state benefits.

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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.

Maltese initiative empowers unemployed women and reduces low-income households’ expenditures

The initiative DAWL – Energy, Employment, Empowerment aims to increase women’s employment opportunities; reduce Maltese low-income households’ energy and water consumption; and to raise awareness regarding energy and water issues.

DAWL is involved in two main lines of action.

• Increasing women’s participation in the labour market by improving their opportunities to find work. This was done by providing training in interpersonal skills which makes them more employable.
• Awareness raising and skill development in terms of energy and water saving techniques among low-income families. This involved demonstration of cost-effective measures which households can take to lower their water and electricity expenditure.

Support in challenging times
The initiative is part of the voluntary organisation SOS Malta, set up in 1991, which aims to aid and empower people experiencing times of crisis. The organisation provides support services and opportunities to implement national developments and change. SOS Malta works with both local and international organisations to assist socially disadvantaged groups in improving their quality of life.

For unemployed women and low-income families
The initiative directly benefited six women who were seeking employment, together with 60 families from Vittoriosa, Cospicua, Senglea and Kalkara which were involved in the energy-saving activities.

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