Authors: Francesca Calzolari – Contributors: Giulia Viero & Jérémy Cléro
This policy brief explains the results of the ENTRACK project’s ethnographic research in Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain. The study shows that technical solutions by themselves cannot drive change, as economic, social and institutional barriers still limit many households from adopting sustainable practices.
Citizens face high upfront costs, limited access to infrastructure and low awareness of available support. Many also feel disconnected from national policies, which are often seen as complex or irrelevant. Local authorities, who aim to engage communities are often underfunded and excluded from decision-making.
When citizens are involved directly, through interviews, local initiatives and peer learning, they become more aware and more willing to participate. ENTRACK’s “Climate Explorers” model, which trained young volunteers to engage their communities, proved effective.
To make energy efficiency strategies more inclusive and effective, ENTRACK suggests:
- Provide targeted support for low-income and rural households, including financial assistance and infrastructure investment.
- Simplify procedures and create local one-stop-shops to help citizens access support more easily.
- Use education and local leadership to build trust and encourage behavior change.
- Support community-led projects like cooperatives and renewable energy initiatives.
- Strengthen local capacity through training and cross-sector collaboration.
- Scale up participatory models like “Climate Explorers” to involve citizens in shaping energy policies.
By involving people policies become more relevant and more likely to succeed. The project will continue supporting collaboration through the Community of Practice (CoP) and Municipal-Region Partnerships (MRPs).