Workshops focused on household energy efficiency, understanding electricity bills, and accessing the social energy tariff. Participants received free energy efficiency kits containing items like LED bulbs, timer plugs, and window sealing tape. The sessions were held in vulnerable neighbourhoods and schools to ensure inclusive outreach.
Cascais Ambiente led the design and delivery, while Coopérnico provided technical expertise and community engagement. The project was funded through the municipal budget and aligned with local climate resilience goals. It aimed to promote conscious energy use, reduce carbon footprints, and facilitate access to support schemes.
Case study profile
Introduction
The Energy Café initiative, launched in February 2024 by Cascais Ambiente in partnership with Coopérnico, is part of the #CascaisPeloClima municipal climate action programme. It aims to improve energy literacy and reduce energy poverty through practical workshops targeting vulnerable households and the wider community. Six sessions were held between February and October 2024, reaching 130 participants.
Behavioural insights
The project used practical workshops, demonstrations, and nudges to encourage small, achievable changes. Behavioural factors considered included economic barriers, low technical knowledge, and the influence of peer and collective action. Insights gained showed that personalised advice and physical kits were strong triggers for change, and young people acted as effective knowledge multipliers within households.
Outcomes and impacts
The initiative reached 130 participants and led to measurable improvements in energy literacy and increased interest in community energy initiatives and social tariffs. Monitoring included attendance records, feedback questionnaires, and direct observation. Key impacts included strengthened community awareness, reduced energy poverty, and the creation of a local support network. Lessons learnt highlighted the effectiveness of interactive sessions and the importance of targeting vulnerable groups.