The project

Energy poverty (EP) is an increasingly urgent issue across the EU, yet young people—particularly university students—remain overlooked in both policy and practice.

This project aims to address this gap by focusing on higher education students aged 18–25, especially those living in urban areas and facing precarious housing conditions in the private rental market. Vulnerabilities are even greater for exchange students and young people with fewer opportunities, who often live in poor-quality accommodations with limited knowledge of energy systems and housing rights.

Studies show that a significant share of students experience cold, damp, and mould in their housing. These conditions directly affect their well-being, academic success, and health. Many students live in houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs) that fall outside energy performance standards, increasing their exposure to energy poverty.

To respond to these challenges, the project combines research, training, peer engagement, and policy outreach. It empowers young energy advisors aged 25+ to become Energy Mentors, equipping them with skills in energy citizenship and non-formal education (NFE).

Vulnerable students will be engaged through Collective Assemblies and local workshops, creating spaces where they can assess energy poverty, share experiences, and actively contribute to identifying solutions.

The project includes 18 WPs:

  • WP1: Research, Regulatory Analysis, Best Practices and Students’ perception of EP to address the research gap regarding university students' experiences and perceptions of energy poverty, our research will employ a structured methodology comprising desk research, comparative analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
  • WP2: A 2-day International Training Course in Rome (IT) – "How can higher education students reduce energy poverty?" aiming at equipping young advisors with the skills to assess and address energy poverty in their respective countries.
  • WP3-6: Creation of Energy Advisory Teams and local workshops in each partner country.
  • WP7-18: Public Collective Assemblies in each country, fostering peer support and policy dialogue.

The project targets both energy-vulnerable university students and young professionals motivated to lead in the energy transition. It contributes to long-term empowerment, inclusion, and the development of fair, youth-informed energy policies across Europe.