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/

On 23 July 2024, Sofia Energy Agency – SOFENA officially became an associated member of the Climate Alliance.

“We are pleased to be a member of Climate Alliance and will do our best to work on, promote, support and develop the climate initiatives of the organization” – said Mr Z. Georgiev, the executive director of SOFENA.

Climate Alliance membership stands as an expression of climate commitment.

True to the Climate Alliance slogan, “taking local action on the global climate crisis,” SOFENA now stands with almost 2,000 members from more than 25 European countries for comprehensive climate action. Climate Alliance members promote a fair, nature-based, local, resource-saving and diverse approach to climate action. They promote climate justice in partnership with indigenous rainforest peoples and commit to continuously cut their greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for a reduction of at least 95 % by 2050 in line with Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recommendations.

Climate Alliance members receive support on the implementation of their climate action measures and benefit from the network’s vast experience. Climate Alliance provides tools for CO2 monitoring as well as campaigns on topics such as mobility, building renovation, climate justice and education. The network also promotes the interests of its member municipalities at national and European levels.

Read more at www.climatealliance.org

GABROVO, BULGARIA – The CEATY project, a climate and energy education initiative led by SOFENA (Sofia Energy Agency), was showcased at the recent “Mayors Speak. Let’s Unite Efforts in the Fight Against Climate Change” conference held in Gabrovo on July 3rd and 4th, 2024. Organized by the Association of Bulgarian Energy Agencies (ABEA), the conference provided a platform for SOFENA to highlight the project’s ambitious goals and innovative approach to empowering young people as “Clean Energy Ambassadors.”

CEATY, funded by the Erasmus+ program of the European Commission, aims to contribute to the EU’s ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The project focuses on educating students aged 12 to 16 about energy consumption, energy savings, and renewable energy sources, fostering environmental awareness and equipping them to become advocates for sustainable practices.

Lilly Stammler, chief expert at SOFENA, presented the CEATY project to the ABEA members and conference participants, emphasizing its potential to inspire and educate future generations in the fight against climate change. By providing young people with the knowledge and skills to become Clean Energy Ambassadors, CEATY aims to create a ripple effect, extending its impact beyond the classroom and fostering a wider cultural shift towards sustainability.

The presentation generated significant interest among attendees, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative educational initiatives like CEATY in achieving the EU’s climate goals and building a greener future for all.

A LIFE-BECKON project meeting was held in the city of Ávila, Spain, on May 30 and 31, 2024, where were presented the ready tools for promoting the establishment of energy communities in the three pilot countries – Spain, Bulgaria and Denmark.
In addition to the Handbook of good practices in the field of energy communities, training materials are also ready in the form of videos intended for municipal employees, citizens and local businesses.
All is uploaded to an online platform called “One-stop-shop”, which is accessible at: https://app.community.nectios.com/life-beckon , but after pre-registration and setting up of an account.
In the meeting a representative of CINEA who is responsible for the project also took part. He presented new funding opportunities under the LIFE program. There is currently an open call for project proposals in 6 directions, which is valid until 19/09/2024. For more information: https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/programmes/life/life-calls-proposals-2024_en
Several trainings are coming up in the partner countries of the project, and for Bulgaria a training is planned for 07/04/2024 in the town of Gabrovo.
Among the Bulgarian municipalities – replicators under the LIFE-BECKON project are Kotel, Sapareva Banya, Ruse and Sofia. They participated actively in the first online training organized on 27.05.2024.
The recruitment phase for municipalities willing to join continues!
You can write to us at: taobeckon@sofena.com