Energy transition Living Lab

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Methods, Processes, Support

DESCRIPTION:

An educational platform for citizens, primarily focusing on youth. The core of this approach involves a series of seminars conducted with middle and high school students.

BUSINESS ROUTE

Target Users

Citizens and NGOs, Local authorities, Research community, Tenants

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Karviná, Czech Republic

Continental

Community Engagement, Environment, & Wellbeing

VALUE

In Karviná, a key challenge is the outflow of young people, partly driven by limited local professional opportunities and their underrepresentation in public debate. At the same time, the city is seeking stronger support for municipal initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the urban environment, in line with its objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 as set out in its 2017 climate change adaptation strategy. The Energy Transition Living Lab addresses these challenges by engaging schools and students in educational activities on energy, sustainability, and climate-positive communities, supported by practical applications of advanced technologies. The Living Lab raises awareness among young people, encourages future study and employment in climate- and sustainability-related fields, and empowers them to share knowledge within their communities and participate more actively in public discussions.

APPLICATION

During the first year, four seminars were organised to introduce students to innovative energy solutions and to support group work focused on practical applications. Students developed design proposals for photovoltaic panels on selected municipal buildings, including the demonstration building, and explored complementary solutions such as electric vehicle charging. The second year of seminars is currently being prepared and will focus on sustainability and circularity in the building sector. The planned assignments will involve the creative reuse of materials recovered from the demonstration building.