8 THE ENERGY CHALLENGE IN HUNGARY …
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their individual homes and everyday routines by changing their practices
and behaviour, and by making technological changes, e.g., through energyefficient home improvements. Since they were part of the group, they
were encouraged to discover and consider the social aspects of energy
use, e.g., the conventions and expectations that govern their everyday
practices, the things they can influence and can perhaps change together,
and the local opportunities, knowledge and skills available for making
more sustainable energy use possible. After spending some time together
as members of the same Club, they became motivated to get engaged
in the local community, and organise awareness-raising activities at community events. The Climate Club also engages in areas more indirectly
related to energy consumption, such as producing food, dealing with
waste, and so on. The Club works with other NGos in the town and has
been networking with similar initiatives in Hungary.
Outcomes, Successes of the Initiative
Because of its more informal nature, there was no comprehensive study
done on the carbon footprint reduction or energy saving achieved
by the Gödöllő Climate Club members, but there are indications that
most members achieved at least 10% reduction in energy use since they
joined the Club. More importantly, the Climate Club has become a small
group of dedicated individuals who appreciate the additional knowledge
and the sense of community as a primary value provided by the monthly
meetings. It is clear that most members feel closely associated with the
group, and have a feeling of ownership, which seems to be increasing
with time (Vadovics and Boza-Kiss 2013). overall, the initiative is considered to be a success story, with members continuing to meet to discuss environmental and energy issues, as well as to take action.
ConCLusion
The example of the Gödöllő Climate Club is an interesting SECI for various reasons. Firstly, it was conceived as a pilot project in a European
research project. The methodology that was piloted and evaluated in
the project was used later for the development of larger (national and
international) projects. Secondly, since the Climate Club is still active
after nine-ten years, it is a good example of how a pilot project can turn
into a continuous project, partly run by the community, and partly by
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their individual homes and everyday routines by changing their practices
and behaviour, and by making technological changes, e.g., through energyefficient home improvements. Since they were part of the group, they
were encouraged to discover and consider the social aspects of energy
use, e.g., the conventions and expectations that govern their everyday
practices, the things they can influence and can perhaps change together,
and the local opportunities, knowledge and skills available for making
more sustainable energy use possible. After spending some time together
as members of the same Club, they became motivated to get engaged
in the local community, and organise awareness-raising activities at community events. The Climate Club also engages in areas more indirectly
related to energy consumption, such as producing food, dealing with
waste, and so on. The Club works with other NGos in the town and has
been networking with similar initiatives in Hungary.
Outcomes, Successes of the Initiative
Because of its more informal nature, there was no comprehensive study
done on the carbon footprint reduction or energy saving achieved
by the Gödöllő Climate Club members, but there are indications that
most members achieved at least 10% reduction in energy use since they
joined the Club. More importantly, the Climate Club has become a small
group of dedicated individuals who appreciate the additional knowledge
and the sense of community as a primary value provided by the monthly
meetings. It is clear that most members feel closely associated with the
group, and have a feeling of ownership, which seems to be increasing
with time (Vadovics and Boza-Kiss 2013). overall, the initiative is considered to be a success story, with members continuing to meet to discuss environmental and energy issues, as well as to take action.
ConCLusion
The example of the Gödöllő Climate Club is an interesting SECI for various reasons. Firstly, it was conceived as a pilot project in a European
research project. The methodology that was piloted and evaluated in
the project was used later for the development of larger (national and
international) projects. Secondly, since the Climate Club is still active
after nine-ten years, it is a good example of how a pilot project can turn
into a continuous project, partly run by the community, and partly by