Alleviating Energy Poverty in Vulnerable households
Alleviating Energy Poverty in Vulnerable households
Country: Spain
Lead organisation: Spanish Red Cross
Short Description:
Since 2017, the Spanish Red Cross has been running a program to tackle energy poverty in more than 52 cities across the country. The goal is to reduce the vulnerability of households most affected by climate change by improving energy efficiency, installing renewable energy systems, and promoting citizen empowerment. Through citizen science activities, the project monitors energy consumption, identifies improvement measures, and fosters climate adaptation with a social and participatory approach. It also contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions and improving health and comfort at home.
This project addresses energy poverty as a key barrier to climate adaptation in vulnerable communities. Building on existing education and awareness programs, it leverages citizen science methodologies to empower households to monitor, understand, and optimize their energy consumption. Through a participatory approach, citizens gather data on energy usage and housing conditions using tools such as energy surveys, thermal sensors, and on-site visits.
This data generates actionable indicators to identify challenges, inform targeted interventions, and promote energy-efficient solutions that mitigate climate risks like heatwaves and cold spells. Implemented activities include home retrofitting and the adoption of soft energy efficiency measures. In collaboration with volunteers, local communities, and authorities, the project aims to:
- Raise awareness of energy efficiency.
- Facilitate citizen-led data collection to assess energy poverty and its impacts.
- Propose affordable and scalable solutions.
- Decrease emissions and enhance climate resilience
The outcomes will contribute to the EU mission “Adaptation to Climate Change” by advancing inclusive strategies that improve living conditions while addressing environmental challenges. By combining citizen science with practical solutions, the project establishes a foundation for broader European initiatives, demonstrating how community-driven efforts can tackle societal and climate-related issues.
Climate change does not affect everyone equally. At the Spanish Red Cross (SpRC), we have seen that households facing energy poverty are among the most exposed to heatwaves, extreme cold, and rising energy costs. To ensure no one is left behind in the face of climate change, since 2017 we have been implementing a project that combines social action, citizen science, and energy solutions to improve the lives of thousands of people.
Educational workshops are offered to encourage behavioral change and help people understand how to protect themselves from the effects of climate change, empowering them with the knowledge they need to take meaningful action.
Our approach not only reduces energy bills and CO₂ emissions, but also improves health, thermal comfort, and personal autonomy. The projects are designed in collaboration with communities and involve a range of stakeholders—such as local authorities and energy providers—to find practical, long-lasting solutions.
In collaboration with volunteers, scientific institutions, and local authorities, among others, we are committed to a just energy transition that is locally driven and people-centered. Fighting energy poverty is also climate action. And at SpRC, we do it with a risk reduction approach, helping to prevent future climate impacts.
Objectives & Goals:
In collaboration with volunteers, local communities, and authorities, the project aims to:
- Raise awareness of energy efficiency.
- Facilitate citizen-led data collection to assess energy poverty and its impacts.
- Propose affordable and scalable solutions.
- Decrease emissions and enhance climate resilience.
