ASSERT

The ASSERT project is a European initiative under the LIFE23-CET-ENERPOV framework, which will address the critical issue of energy poverty, particularly among physically disabled persons. The project aims to provide essential knowledge, competencies, and skills to key actors, such as policymakers, intermediaries, and directly affected persons, ensuring they can address energy poverty and mitigate its impacts.

ASSERT is driven by the urgent need to address energy poverty among physically disabled people who are disproportionately affected due to their higher energy needs and lower income. Grounded on an understanding of the complex, intersecting challenges these individuals face, the ASSERT approach emphasises the importance of a targeted, inclusive response, specifically addressing all the three different target groups involved (policy actors, actors on the ground and people) to reach the strategic objective of ensuring no one is left behind in the transition to clean energy. Recognising that these vulnerable groups (facing energy poverty and physical disabilities) often lack the necessary support and resources to manage their energy needs effectively, the project seeks to empower them on energy efficiency and the use of renewables to break the cycle of energy poverty that exacerbates health issues and economic disadvantages. The project also seeks to train and mentor local policymakers and intermediaries by equipping them with essential skills and knowledge and supporting them in implementing sustainable energy solutions while integrating energy poverty considerations into broader
policy frameworks.

The project will train and mentor local policymakers and intermediaries by equipping them with essential skills and knowledge and supporting them in implementing sustainable energy solutions while integrating energy poverty considerations into broader policy frameworks.

Project Objectives

• Help policymakers understand energy poverty and disability by providing training to local officials to integrate energy poverty and disability into energy policies.
• Train intermediaries to support those in need through training for social workers and community organizations on energy poverty.
• Support people with disabilities in meeting their energy needs by offering special resources for those facing high energy costs.
• Measure the impact of the training and mentoring program by evaluating the program’s effectiveness in connecting energy poverty and disability.

Project Outcomes:

The project will release three target-specific specialized training courses tailored to meet the specific needs of each target group:

• Specialized training for policymakers on the intricacies of the clean energy transition, focusing on addressing energy poverty and its intersection with physical disability. This will ensure the development of inclusive and comprehensive policies.

• Training program for frontline workers in healthcare and social services to enhance their ability to assist households affected by energy poverty and direct them toward cost-effective energy solutions, including the use of renewables.

• Resources designed to empower persons with limited physical disabilities, enabling them to more effectively meet their household energy needs.

Partners

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Contact: Project Coordinator, Marina Varvesi– [email protected]

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