Empowering Mazovia: workshops drive energy efficiency and green investments

Mazovia, one of the Polish regions, has become a beacon of sustainable innovation through workshops that empowered residents to reduce energy costs and explore renewable energy solutions. These events, organised by the Mazovia Energy Agency as part of the LIFE project CEESEU-DIGIT, targeted vulnerable groups, including senior citizens and those facing a situation of energy poverty, and delivered transformative results in Warsaw’s Praga, Bemowo, and Żoliborz districts, as well as in the Chorzele municipality. In total, four workshops were held across these locations, engaging 87 participants.

The project tackled energy poverty by equipping participants with practical strategies for energy savings and renewable energy adoption. Through hands-on guidance, residents learned simple yet effective changes to their energy use, such as optimising appliance usage and adopting energy-efficient habits. Participants reported a newfound confidence in managing their energy needs and reducing their bills.

A critical objective of these workshops was bridging the gap between awareness and action regarding renewable energy investments. Residents were introduced to accessible financing options, including Government grants and low-interest loans, to make technologies like solar panels and heat pumps more affordable. One participant noted: “I never realised how much support was available to help people like me invest in renewable energy. This workshop opened my eyes to new possibilities.”

The workshops did not shy away from addressing the challenges participants might face. Experts offered tailored solutions for multi-apartment buildings, where decisions about energy upgrades often involve complex negotiations with other residents and building managers. Strategies for fostering community consensus, organising informational meetings, and highlighting collective benefits were key components.
These practical tools empowered residents to navigate common roadblocks and turn ideas into reality.

The CEESEU-DIGIT project also demonstrated how sustainable practices can enhance community well being. By reducing energy costs and offering cleaner energy alternatives, the workshops created a ripple effect of economic and environmental benefits. Lower energy bills alleviated financial pressure, while the adoption of renewable energy reduced carbon emissions and advanced local energy autonomy,
aligning with the European Green Deal’s objectives.

Mazovia’s approach is a model of inclusivity and replicability. The project’s success illustrates how tailored workshops can address specific local challenges while inspiring broader change. With plans to expand this project across the region, Mazovia stands as a leading example of how to foster a fair, inclusive, and sustainable Green Transition.

This best practice is extracted from our publication ‘Sustainable Regions in Action‘. Discover more best practices here!