This project investigates how the energy transition can be made more accessible by developing, testing and deploying inclusive participation tools.

Municipal professionals find it challenging to involve young people, migrants and busy families in the energy transition. However, resident participation is not only a legal requirement but, above all, essential for the success of the transition. Policy choices seem to be imposed top-down, without input from residents, which leads to many residents feeling unheard.

o reach residents, local authorities often use traditional methods such as citizen panels, open evenings and street conversations. However, these do not adequately reflect the lives and needs of diverse target groups. Barriers play a role here: municipal professionals lack a perspective for action, residents struggle with a lack of time or knowledge, and participation tools are insufficiently tailored to specific groups. When inclusive participation falls short, the gap between the government and residents grows, which can lead to resistance and delays in the energy transition.

In this project, we are working with these target groups and the consortium to conduct an inventory and evaluation of existing tools, to (re)design participation tools and to implement participation tools in three practical cases.

The aim of this project is to translate the needs of young people, migrants, families, municipal professionals and experts into effective resources through close collaboration, and to provide municipal professionals with concrete tools. In addition, the First Aid for Inclusive Resident Participation toolbox is being developed and a learning community will be launched in which professionals from different organisations can exchange knowledge and gain practical insights for effective and inclusive participation.

 

Tasks Roessingh

Sharing and developing knowledge about inclusive participation in the energy transition:

  • Refining the results of preliminary research and the design process for participation tools
  • Participating in activities to improve knowledge, attitudes and behaviour with regard to inclusive participation
  • Organising activities for the learning community based on experience with inclusive resident participation
  • Contributing ideas about the learning community structure

 

Project duration

June 1, 2025 - May 31, 2027

 

Partners

20 Dutch partners are collaborating in this project:

  • Saxion University of Applied Sciences
  • The Hague University of Applied Sciences
  • Utrecht University
  • Energieloket Achterhoek
  • Energie Almelo
  • Municipality of The Hague
  • Municipality of Hoorn
  • Municipality of Deventer
  • Municipality of Zwolle
  • Municipality of Enschede
  • Municipality of Eindhoven
  • Roessingh, Center for Rehabilitation
  • Spectrum Elan
  • EVRgreen Studio
  • KombiSOL
  • Spectrum
  • Aventus
  • Stichting Voor Werkende Ouders
  • Stichting Inspraakorgaan Turken in Nederland
  • Plan-P

 

Grantor

Regieorgaan SIA - Touch Public