Who is behind the research

Reducing energy consumption in buildings is a key step towards a carbon-neutral society. However, it is not only about technology and finance – social aspects also play a crucial role. In housing, investments in energy efficiency bring not only lower energy costs but also challenges, such as rising rents or the risk of residents being displaced from modernised buildings.

his research focuses on how investments in the energy refurbishment of apartment buildings affect tenants' lives, especially in the former industrial towns of the Ostrava Metropolitan Area (OMA). Here, modernising existing buildings is a priority over new construction. This approach can both save natural resources and improve living conditions for current residents.

What interests us?

• How investments in insulation and other energy measures affect residents' quality of life.
• What the social impacts are, for example on housing affordability and community stability.
• What hinders or, conversely, supports sustainable investments that would not reduce housing affordability.

How do we study it?

We conduct questionnaire surveys among tenants and interviews with apartment-building owners, non-profit organisations and public-administration representatives. The result will be a set of proposed measures that can accelerate the energy transition while taking people's needs into account.

Future solution: Positive Energy Districts (PEDs)

We are also interested in so-called Positive Energy Districts – areas that produce more energy than they consume. These modern concepts connect technological innovation with residents' needs. Although they have not yet been implemented in the Ostrava Metropolitan Area, their introduction could bring both environmental and social benefits.

Energy poverty is an issue that affects the lives of millions of people in Europe and around the world. It refers to a situation where energy costs make up a disproportionately high share of income, or where people have to reduce their energy use so much that it can seriously affect their health and well-being. The Ostrava Metropolitan Area faces many challenges related to energy poverty, especially among vulnerable groups of residents.

What is energy poverty?

Energetickou chudobu lze definovat jako stav, kdy lidé nemají dostatek finančních prostředků na pokrytí svých energetických potřeb, nebo kdy musí snižovat spotřebu energie natolik, že to má negativní vliv na jejich životní podmínky. Tato situace zasahuje především rodiny s nízkými příjmy, samoživitelky, seniory či osamělé ženy žijící z důchodu.

What are the consequences of energy poverty?

Energy poverty has serious impacts on the physical and mental health of families. Another consequence is the risk of residential segregation, where low-income families may be forced to leave their homes and move to areas with worse conditions. This can lead to further social exclusion.

Proposed measures include

• Improving the energy efficiency of housing.
• Providing support through advisory and educational programmes.
• Developing social services targeted at vulnerable groups.

Research Team 3 focuses on the role of primary schools in raising awareness of sustainable development and the energy transition. The team's goal is to explore how schools can actively influence pupils, teachers, parents and the wider community to jointly address current environmental challenges. A key tool is supporting schools in their efforts to innovate in environmental education and awareness (EVVO), with particular emphasis on topics related to the energy transition.

What do we want to find out, and how?

The team is carrying out participatory action research at four primary schools, three of which hold the "School of Sustainable Development" award and one of which is a control school without it.

The analysis also assesses existing environmental-education (EVVO) measures and their potential for further development. The goal is not only to monitor the impacts of these changes but also to support schools in their role as "ambassadors" of sustainable energy.

This research provides valuable insights into how schools can play a key role in promoting sustainable development and the energy transition. The findings will contribute both to a better understanding of the role of environmental education and to the development of concrete tools and methods that other schools can use.

The aim of the research is to find out how people in the Ostrava Metropolitan Area (OMA) perceive their life satisfaction, what adaptation strategies they use in demanding life conditions, and what their attitude towards the energy transition is. We also examine the role of spirituality in this process, in particular how spiritual orientation influences the ability to adapt to these changes.

What exactly do we study?

• What specific steps people take to adapt, and how their approach differs by age, gender or socioeconomic status.
• How spirituality influences individuals' decision-making and adaptation to life changes, including those associated with the energy transition.
• Which positive and negative adaptation strategies people use, and how these affect their perceived life satisfaction.

What challenges does the energy transition bring, and how to overcome them?

The energy transition is inevitable, but it may run into psychological barriers. Changes in energy availability, new technologies and economic demands can cause stress or social problems. The research will help us better understand how people perceive these changes and the ways in which they adapt.

Can spirituality help in adapting to demanding changes?

Spirituality is proving to be a powerful tool in adapting to life changes. The research will focus on how spiritual values and practices can help people better cope with demanding situations, including those linked to the energy transition.