In the period of 5-7 November 2024, a GA meeting of the LIFE-BECKON project consortium was held in Copenhagen, Denmark. The partners discussed the progress of the project and the upcoming tasks under work packages for the next 6 months.

The representatives of the three pilots from Sofia, Avila and Copenhagen shared interesting facts. The hosts presented an Energy Community, which is under construction and includes social housing on the outskirts of the city. The building renovation includes not only a major refurbishment of the buildings, but also a construction of new, sloping roofs, with modern ventilation systems for recovery that is being installed in the under-roof space, devices for controlling the heat supply to the building, as well as smart devices for controlling the energy coming from the PV panels on the roof.

Ms. Galeva presented the model of an energy community, which is being implemented on the territory of the Sofia Municipality, with the support of the Vitosha Municipality. It will be the first energy community in the capital, with the goal of becoming a model for replication among other district municipalities.

SThe CEATY project, an innovative initiative focused on empowering young people as agents of change in the fight against climate change, was presented at the XVIII National Conference of the Association of Bulgarian Energy Agencies and Centres (ABEA) held on November 13-14, 2024.

The presentation, delivered by Lilly Stammler, SOFENA, highlighted the project’s significant achievements in promoting climate literacy and sustainable practices among students aged 12 to 16. Attendees learned about the CEATY project’s key resources, including its engaging E-learning platform and comprehensive Clean Energy Toolkit, designed to educate and empower students as “Clean Energy Ambassadors.”

The CEATY project, funded by the Erasmus+ program of the European Commission, aligns with the EU’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. By focusing on educating and empowering young people, the project aims to create a ripple effect, extending its impact beyond the classroom and fostering a wider cultural shift towards sustainability.

The presentation at the ABEA conference generated significant interest among attendees, sparking discussions on the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative educational initiatives in addressing climate change and building a greener future. The CEATY project’s success in engaging students and teachers demonstrates the potential of education to drive meaningful change and inspire action towards a more sustainable world.

On October 30-31, 2024, the DE-RISK team met in Athens for our 4th General Assembly, hosted by our partner Que Technologies. This two-day gathering aimed to facilitate collaboration among project partners, allowing us to exchange ideas, share updates, and outline the next steps for the project.

We were pleased to welcome our new project adviser, Ugo Simeoni, from the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). The team provided him with a comprehensive overview of the project’s current status, including updates on all work packages and plans for the upcoming year.

Each partner contributed insights into their respective work and outlined future plans. The leaders of the pilot studies shared valuable information about recent activities at the pilot project sites and discussed strategies for the coming months

AThe CEATY project, an Erasmus+ initiative focused on empowering young people as agents of change in the fight against climate change, recently concluded with a captivating Final Conference in Ankara, Turkey. The event, which drew over 150 students and 50 guests, highlighted the project’s innovative approach to climate education and its commitment to building a sustainable future.

The conference featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Elifcan Kanatlı Apaydın from the Ministry of Environment, Prof. Dr. Deniz Üne from METU (Middle East Technical University), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selcen Babaoğlu Aydaş from Gazi University. These experts shared valuable insights on renewable energy research, climate change challenges, and the crucial role of education in fostering sustainability.

Throughout the conference, participants engaged in interactive training programs and activities, utilizing the CEATY project’s e-learning platform and Clean Energy Toolkit. These resources, designed to educate and empower young people about clean energy and climate action, provided a dynamic and engaging learning experience.

The CEATY Final Conference served as a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in the education of young generations to achieve the EU’s ambitious goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. By fostering climate literacy and empowering students to become Clean Energy Ambassadors, the CEATY project is contributing to a wider cultural shift towards sustainability and a greener future for all.

Diana Paunova-Galeva, a chief expert at SOFENA participated in a ManagEnergy Master Class that aimed to equip Energy Agencies and Regional and Local Authorities across Europe with the skills and knowledge to foster, stimulate and develop sustainable energy projects in Europe. Designed to build the capacity, expertise and knowledge of energy agencies’ staff, these Master Classes also presented opportunities for networking with peers.
The course included 3 full days of intense training on the theme of Energy Communities.
This Class was delivered in a blended learning format:
· A first online session was on 20th September morning;
· The second session was face-to-face in Brussels on 01-02nd October (one and a half day);
· The third and final session was online on 18th October.
The format of the classes included problem-solving exercises,workshops, case studies and guest lectures from agencies and organizations relevant to energy communities.
This Master Class was delivered by experts from the regional energy agency of Upper Austria OO Energiesparverband, supported by guest speakers.
The program aims to foster deeper knowledge among the participants of the guiding principles of Energy Communities (ECs) according to RED II, of operational models and of value propositions. It will develop their core competencies in facilitating and supporting the development of ECs in their cities and regions. Key topics of this module include the European framework for ECs, the promotion, the start-up and the operation phase of ECs, the involvement of citizens, financing and successful examples.
Special focus was given to:

• Regulatory framework;
• Economics of Energy Communities;
• Development of an Energy Community and engaging citizens

For more information, please visit: https://managenergy.ec.europa.eu/managenergy-discover/news/building-energy-system-future-insights-first-energy-communities-master-class-2024-10-18_en

• Interactive and Accessible Platform Fosters Climate Literacy and Action Among European Youth *

The CEATY project, an ambitious initiative funded by the Erasmus+ program of the European Commission, is taking a significant leap forward in its mission to educate and empower young people in the fight against climate change. With the launch of its innovative E-learning platform, CEATY is providing students, teachers, and families with engaging and accessible resources to promote clean energy and sustainable practices, contributing to the EU’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Designed with a focus on user experience, the CEATY E-learning platform offers a dynamic and interactive learning environment specifically tailored to the needs of school students aged 12 to 16. The platform’s intuitive design, coupled with a comprehensive user manual, ensures that young people can easily navigate and engage with the educational content, regardless of their technical skills.

The platform’s rich multimedia resources, interactive exercises, and engaging activities provide a stimulating learning experience, enhancing understanding of climate change, energy efficiency, and renewable energy solutions. By making learning fun and accessible, CEATY aims to spark a passion for sustainability among young people and empower them to become active agents of change within their schools, families, and communities.

Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, the CEATY E-learning platform is available in multiple languages, catering to the diverse linguistic landscape of Europe. This multilingual accessibility ensures that young people from various backgrounds can benefit from the platform’s resources and contribute to the collective effort towards a greener future.

Beyond its educational content, the CEATY E-learning platform serves as a valuable tool for teachers. Its online accessibility and availability provide educators with a flexible and convenient way to access training materials, educational resources, and a collaborative space for knowledge sharing. This empowers teachers to effectively integrate climate education into their curricula and inspire their students to become “Clean Energy Ambassadors.”

The CEATY project’s E-learning platform is a testament to its commitment to innovation and collaboration. By providing a user-friendly, engaging, and accessible learning environment, CEATY is fostering climate literacy and empowering a new generation of young people to take action for a sustainable future. The platform’s impact extends beyond the classroom, reaching families and communities and contributing to a wider cultural shift towards environmental responsibility. With its dedication to education and empowerment, the CEATY project is playing a crucial role in shaping a greener and more sustainable world for all.

You can visit the CEATY E-learning platform here: mooc.ceatyeu.com

CEATY Project Tackles Climate Change with Innovative “Clean Energy Toolkit”

Empowering Students as Ambassadors for a Sustainable Future

The CEATY project, an ambitious initiative funded by the Erasmus+ program of the European Commission, is making significant strides in educating and empowering young people to become active agents of change in the fight against climate change. With its innovative “Clean Energy Toolkit” and interactive game, CEATY is engaging students, teachers, and families in a collaborative effort to promote clean energy and sustainable practices, contributing to the EU’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

At the heart of the CEATY project lies a commitment to providing comprehensive and accessible education on climate change, energy efficiency, and renewable energy sources. The “Clean Energy Toolkit,” developed as a core component of the project, serves as a valuable resource for students aged 12 to 16, offering engaging and informative content that deepens their understanding of these crucial topics.

What sets the CEATY Toolkit apart is its interactive and engaging approach to learning. The Clean Energy Game, incorporated within the Toolkit, provides a fun and memorable way for students to explore the complexities of climate change and energy solutions. This gamified approach not only enhances understanding but also inspires students to take action and become advocates for sustainable practices.

Teachers have also embraced the Toolkit as a valuable resource for their classrooms. It provides them with the tools and information needed to effectively integrate climate education into their curricula, sparking meaningful discussions and activities that resonate with students. The Toolkit’s diverse content and interactive elements cater to various learning styles, ensuring that all students can actively participate and contribute to the learning process.

One of the most impactful aspects of the CEATY project is its focus on empowering students as “Clean Energy Ambassadors.” By encouraging students to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with their families and friends, the project extends its reach beyond the classroom, fostering a wider understanding of clean energy and climate action within the community. This ripple effect creates a supportive network for learning and action, contributing to a broader cultural shift towards sustainability.

The CEATY project’s “Clean Energy Toolkit” and game have proven to be effective tools in increasing knowledge and awareness, making learning fun and engaging, and empowering students to become active participants in creating a more sustainable future. By fostering collaboration among students, teachers, and families, the project is building a strong foundation for long-term change and contributing to the EU’s ambitious climate goals. With its innovative approach and dedication to empowering future generations, the CEATY project is playing a vital role in shaping a greener and more sustainable world for all.

You can visit the CEATY Clean Energy Toolkit at: toolkit.ceatyeu.com/e-library/ and toolkit.ceatyeu.com/game/