Problem addressed

Europe is experiencing a growing energy poverty issue. It disproportionally affects the lowest income quintile of the population. Energy-intensive appliances are a reason for high energy bills. In Flanders, Belgium, one-third of households in energy poverty (around 135.000 families) are using old energy-wasting household appliances.  It is difficult for these families to afford energy-efficient appliances due to the high price tag. It is, therefore, necessary to come up with a solution that can cut both the energy bill as well as the energy consumption of low-income families. 

Innovative solution

We use the as-a-service principle of circular economy to adress a social problem.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAf1Jypncj8
 

Key results and benefits

• To this day (16/05/2024) 334 families with low incomes are renting 498 appliances
• We're active in 24 cities, spread over Flanders (Belgium)
• We have a replication active in Czechia
• we achieve an average electricity saving of 666 kWh per year for families
• more living comfort