Networks promote durable change

The purpose of your project is to catalyse change in the way people use energy. But you also want the energy savings to be durable and survive even after your project.

One way to support the survival of the new behaviours is to stimulate the emergence of new, permanent networks that will 'carry' and reinforce the change even after your project has ended. Ideally, such networks should include all stakeholders influenced by the change (for example, users, producers, service providers retailers, financers, public authorities, neighbours, family members). The more diverse the network is, the greater the systemic impact it is likely to have. This is why we stress the importance of identifying and engaging stakeholders in this Toolkit.

Practical examples

Here are some examples of successful network-creation: 

 
 

  • Programme managers organise regular network meetings for participants
  • Network includes organizations with different capabilities and experiences
  • Network helps organizations to learn from each other
  • Network provides momentum and a social context for change

SANIT - on-site consultancy for energy renovations
 
  • Project managers engaged home-owners’ associations, politicians, engineers, architects and local craftsmen through common events, personal meetings and practical work together
  • Networking created a stable environment for the project
  • Networking helped to integrate energy consultancy into the practice of engineers, architects and craftsmen

 


 

Quality: 
3.5
Importance: 
4
Serial-ID: 
4