The COOLTORISE project, funded by the European Commission through the Horizon 2020 programme, is the first to address energy poverty in summer, a growing problem due to extreme weather events resulting from climate change and which particularly affects people in situations of greater vulnerability, due to age, physical or socioeconomic conditions. It has been developed between 2021 and 2024 in Spain (Madrid and Barcelona), Greece, Italy and Bulgaria, combining theoretical research and applied measures to understand and mitigate the impact of extreme heat in homes with limited resources.
Its main objective has been aimed at reducing the incidence of summer energy poverty in European households, improving thermal habitability conditions and avoiding the increase in energy needs during the hot season. In addition, work has been done to establish a common framework that allows this problem to be understood at the European level and to develop specific solutions to mitigate its effects. Solutions based on shared knowledge, research, social intervention and the gender perspective have been proposed.
The main objective of the COOLTORISE project is to address and mitigate the impacts of summer energy poverty, a growing phenomenon associated with climate change. The main problems the project seeks to address include:
1. Increase in energy poverty in summer
Traditionally, energy poverty has been associated with cold and winter, but with increased heatwaves and climate change, it is also manifesting itself in the summer months. In many vulnerable neighborhoods, especially in densely populated urban areas, the lack of resources to adequately air condition homes can have devastating effects on people's health, increasing mortality and morbidity due to exposure to extreme heat.
2. Exposure to heat waves and extreme weather events
The frequency and intensity of heat waves, exacerbated by the heat island effect in cities, are increasingly affecting urban communities. These phenomena not only impact people's thermal comfort, but also aggravate social inequalities, since those with fewer economic resources are the most affected by the lack of adequate conditions to mitigate the effects of extreme heat. Seniors, children, low-income families, and people with pre-existing health conditions are the most vulnerable groups.
3. Lack of accessible retrofit solutions
Most technological solutions that mitigate heat, such as air conditioning, are expensive and are not always available to people living in energy poverty. In addition, many homes in vulnerable neighborhoods lack an adequate structure to implement passive air conditioning solutions, which makes it difficult to improve thermal comfort without depending on expensive energy resources.
4. Gender inequality in energy poverty
The project has identified the feminization of energy poverty, which especially affects women in contexts of single-parent families, older women, and households where women are the main breadwinners. These women face greater difficulties in managing limited resources during extreme heat waves. In addition, in many cases, they have to balance work and family demands, leaving them with less time and resources to tackle energy poverty effectively.
The COOLTORISE project has focused on mitigating the following detected risks and vulnerabilities:
- Public health: Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can aggravate pre-existing health conditions, especially in older people, young children, people with chronic diseases, and those with low resources. Heat waves increase the likelihood of heat stroke, dehydration, and cardiovascular disease. This risk is increased if affected people do not have access to adequate HVAC solutions.
- Social and economic vulnerability: Energy poverty especially affects people in situations of greater vulnerability, due to age, physical or socioeconomic conditions. In addition, the lack of access to adequate housing or basic infrastructure such as thermal insulation systems, sun protection or natural ventilation increases vulnerability. Socioeconomic differences further exacerbate this situation, as the poorest are the ones who suffer disproportionately from heatwaves.
- Urban and environmental risks: Densely populated cities experience the urban heat island effect, where temperatures are significantly higher than in surrounding rural areas due to heat retention on asphalt and buildings. This worsens conditions in low-income neighbourhoods, where a lack of green spaces and poor infrastructure compound the issue. Environmental degradation, absence of shade, and lack of climate shelters make these areas more susceptible to the harmful impacts of extreme heat..
- Risks of political inaction and lack of adequate public infrastructure: In many cases, local governments lack adequate infrastructure to mitigate the effects of extreme heat, such as the network of climate shelters, public spaces conditioned to provide relief to people affected by the heat. The lack of climate action plans that integrate adaptation to extreme heat limits the ability of communities to cope with this phenomenon. In addition, the lack of effective public policies to reduce social vulnerability and promote urban adaptation increases long-term risks.
- Vulnerability in energy resource managemen: Many communities, especially low-income communities, face inequalities in access to more efficient and sustainable energy sources. Reliance on traditional energies, such as electricity for air conditioning, puts these communities in a vulnerable situation during peak energy consumption in summer, when power grids are overloaded. Lack of access to alternative energy solutions or renewable energy systems puts the energy security of the most affected families at risk.
Risks related to the feminization of energy poverty: Women, especially in single-parent family contexts, face a double burden during heatwaves. They have to take care of the family's energy needs, while facing greater difficulties in obtaining the necessary resources to mitigate the heat. This can exacerbate their energy poverty situation, affecting their emotional and physical well-being, and creating additional barriers to achieving energy equity.
The main objective of the COOLTORISE project is to address and mitigate the impacts of summer energy poverty in urban environments in several European countries (Spain, Greece, Italy and Bulgaria), with the aim of reducing social vulnerability and improving the living conditions of people affected by extreme heat waves, exacerbated by climate change. Through a multidisciplinary approach that combines theoretical research and applied measures, the project seeks to offer innovative and sustainable solutions to address the growing threat of summer energy poverty.
Main objectives
1. Establish a common framework for summer energy poverty in the affected European countries. Based on the evidence and indicators collected in all participating countries, the partners will develop a common methodology to identify households suffering from energy poverty in summer.
One of the fundamental objectives of the project is to deepen and broaden knowledge about energy poverty in summer, a phenomenon that has been little addressed until now, which has historically been associated mainly with low winter temperatures. This goal involves investigating the underlying causes of energy poverty during the hot months, as well as measuring its social, economic, and health impacts. Theoretical research includes the analysis of the interrelationship between heat waves, climate change and the socioeconomic conditions of affected families.
2. Assess the risks associated with summer energy poverty
The project seeks to identify and assess the specific risks associated with exposure to extreme heat in various regions of Europe, with particular emphasis on urban territories where the heat island effect aggravates living conditions. This includes measuring the vulnerability of those most at risk of energy poverty, such as those on low incomes, older people, children, women and people with pre-existing conditions. Through this evaluation, the aim is to create a risk map that allows informed decisions to be made about intervention strategies.
3. Develop innovative and sustainable solutions
The project aims to propose effective solutions that allow communities affected by energy poverty in summer to adapt sustainably. The proposed solutions include passive air conditioning technologies, such as improving the solar protection of buildings, favouring natural ventilation during the most appropriate hours of the day, the installation of solar energy systems to reduce dependence on the electricity grid and the creation of shaded areas in public spaces. Energy sustainability and the economic accessibility of the solutions are prioritized, so that they are viable in the long term in the most vulnerable communities.
4. Promoting climate adaptation in the most vulnerable cities and groups
The aim is to strengthen the capacity for climate adaptation in urban areas vulnerable to heat waves. To this end, the project focuses on the creation of climate refuge zones and the adjustment of public spaces to reduce temperature through vegetation. This approach takes into account the need to improve urban infrastructures to create more resilient cities adapted to climate change, promoting sustainability and social inclusion.
5. Promote awareness and education about energy poverty and climate change
The project aims to raise public awareness of the effects of energy poverty in summer and the need to act to mitigate its impacts. Awareness-raising campaigns have been developed at local and regional level, as well as educational activities that encourage the participation of communities in the proposed solutions. Special attention has been paid to engaging vulnerable groups, such as women, the elderly and children, through workshops and educational programmes. Education will be a key tool to promoting a heat-conscious culture, empowering people to take preventive and adaptive measures.
6. Promote the empowerment of women to reverse the feminization of energy poverty. The project addresses common barriers that prevent women's participation in programmed actions, such as caring for children or elderly women with mobility difficulties.
7. Evaluate and promote public policies that favor climate adaptation
The project aims to influence the design of effective public policies to address energy poverty in summer. This includes developing policy recommendations for local and national authorities to implement measures to ensure access to adaptive solutions for the most vulnerable communities.
8. Integrate adaptation to climate change into the education of future architecture professionals[CSG1] and people working in the social and energy fields.
The Architecture students of the Polytechnic University of Madrid, who participated as community agents (SEPAs), have learned adaptive strategies in the face of extreme heat, from passive air conditioning to energy efficiency, with the aim of applying this knowledge in their future professional career, favoring the construction of more resilient and sustainable urban environments. In addition, the training of people working in the social and energy fields has been increased, expanding their preparation for this challenge.
9. Promote collaborative and shared solutions
The project also places considerable emphasis on collaboration with the community, encouraging shared and participatory solutions that integrate the needs of residents into responses to extreme heat. Through activities such as "climate walks" and interventions in public space for the creation of climate shelters, the participation of citizens in the design and implementation of adaptation strategies has been encouraged. This approach not only strengthens the capacity of communities to cope with heatwaves, but also empowers people by giving them a voice in creating their own safer and more livable environment. Community collaboration has become a key element for the success of the project, contributing to the creation of solutions that can be replicated in other urban contexts.
10. Foster international cooperation and the exchange of good practices
The project also aims to promote international cooperation between the participating countries, encouraging the exchange of good practices and experiences in the fight against energy poverty in summer. Through transnational collaboration, COOLTORISE seeks to create a common framework for the implementation of innovative solutions that can be adapted to other regions of Europe, especially in urban areas with similar characteristics.
- Creation of climate shelters in urban space. Community interventions have been carried out in the public space of the neighbourhood to create small shelters from the heat in the open air.
- Cool zone mappings and weather walks. The project has worked, together with local associations, to promote low-cost and highly replicable solutions. For example, these mapping activities and climate walks have been carried out, designed with the communities to identify safer routes and less exposure to heat. This participatory approach allowed the community to not only be beneficiaries, but also active participants in the creation of adaptive solutions. In addition, the data collected was used to develop more specific intervention plans in priority areas.
- Training of community agents, known by their acronym in English as SEPAs (Summer Energy Poverty Agents), mostly students of Architecture at the Polytechnic University of Madrid. They have carried out awareness-raising activities, data collection, development of workshops with families on energy habits and advice in the neighbourhoods.
- Actions to reduce energy needs and improve thermal comfort during the summer. Energy and heat culture workshops have been developed, designed to teach passive air conditioning strategies (efficient use of natural ventilation and shading techniques) or workshops to understand energy bills and improve consumption efficiency. In addition, the so-called heat control kits have been distributed, with low-cost and highly effective elements such as LED bulbs, timer plugs and tap aerators.
- Testing of an alert system. According to local weather predictions, alerts were triggered when a heatwave or tropical night episode approached. In such cases, messages were sent to users' devices with tips on how to beat the heat at home, as well as information about the services available in the city to mitigate the effects of high temperatures.
The relative weight of climate change adaptation in the COOLTORISE project is considerable, as it has been integrated into all phases of the project: from initial planning to the implementation of intervention measures and the training of professionals. Adaptation has been a cross-cutting axis that has guided interventions in urban areas, community participation and the creation of adaptive local policies. This approach has ensured that solutions are sustainable and replicable in other contexts, contributing to the construction of more resilient cities in the face of climate change.
Adaptation has not been limited only to infrastructure and public policies, but a perspective of community participation has been incorporated into the process. The creation of climate shelters and the design of resilient public spaces have been key actions, but capacity building at the local level has also been promoted, enabling communities to identify and implement adaptive solutions.
The direct implementation of adaptation measures has been crucial to the success of the project. Urban interventions have been carried out that include planting trees, creating green spaces and using resilient building materials to mitigate extreme heat. These measures have not only alleviated the immediate effects of extreme heat, but have also promoted sustainable and adaptable urban design that will be of great long-term value to the participating cities.
The training of future architects and other professionals involved in urban design and planning has been key in integrating climate change adaptation into academic and professional learning. By participating in workshops and hands-on projects, students have integrated adaptation principles into their training, which positively impacts their future ability to design more resilient urban environments. This knowledge transfer is an adaptation measure that goes beyond physical intervention, as it prepares future professionals to face the challenges of climate change in their own professional practices.
It is a project coordinated by the Polytechnic University of Madrid and includes the partner entities, Asociación Bienestar y Desarrollo ABD, Asociación ECOSERVEIS, AISFOR, Comune di Parma, Sdruzenie Tzentar za Ustoychivost likonomichesko Razvitie – MOP, Obshtina Peshtera and Vilabs OE.
Polytechnic University of Madrid. It has played a fundamental role in the development of the project, especially in the research on energy poverty in summer and in the implementation of urban solutions adapted to climate change. In the Madrid pilot, students and professors have participated in the design and execution of interventions in urban spaces, integrating ecosocial approaches into their academic training. In the rest of the pilots, the training of neighbors, activists, technicians and social workers to be agents in the fight against energy poverty has allowed the development of the activities.
Public Administrations. Municipal governments and local entities have facilitated the implementation of the interventions, providing permits, infrastructure, and institutional support. They have been involved in integrating climate adaptation measures into urban and housing policies.
Community organizations. They have worked on identifying the groups most vulnerable to energy poverty and have been key in mediating with citizens. They have been responsible for the implementation of awareness-raising workshops and the dissemination of information accessible to all sectors of the population.
Citizenship. They have been protagonists of the process, actively participating in the diagnosis of the problem and in the proposal of solutions.
The awareness-raising and dissemination actions carried out have been:
Communication campaigns
Creation of audiovisual and graphic material for social networks, with the aim of informing about the risks of extreme heat and adaptation solutions.
Development of materials for homes such as guides to improve thermal comfort in summer and cooling solutions for the home and exterior.
Informational events and public meetings
Open talks and round tables with experts in climate adaptation, sustainable architecture and social justice.
Presentation of success stories at international events to share learnings and replicate good practices.
Education and outreach
Incorporation of content on climate adaptation in the training of architecture, urban planning and design students.
Culture of Heat workshops aimed at citizens to promote sustainable practices at home.
Publications and information materials
Preparation of reports with the results of the project, available to researchers and professionals in the sector.
Creation of maps and interactive digital resources that show the impact of heat in different urban areas.
Dissemination in the media
Appearances in the press, radio and television to give visibility to the challenges of energy poverty in summer and the solutions implemented.
The COOLTORISE project stands out for a series of original and relevant aspects that not only address climate change from an innovative perspective, but also provide concrete and replicable solutions that can serve as a model at a global level. The most distinctive and valuable aspects of the project are described below:
- Multidisciplinary approach. It incorporates a comprehensive methodology that combines theoretical research with practical measures. integrating urban design, architectural planning, community participation, public awareness and the training of future professionals. This approach not only produces tangible results in the short term, but creates a culture of adaptation in the community, ensuring that solutions are sustainable and endure over time.
- Co-creation of solutions with the community. It is not limited to the mere implementation of adaptive measures, but involves communities in a process of co-creation of solutions. Citizens are not only passive recipients of interventions, but also play a key role in shaping of their own climate future. This model not only encourages greater local responsibility, but empowers people to take an active role in adapting to climate change.
- Impact on the training of future architecture professionals. The project has integrated lessons learned on climate change adaptation into the academic curriculum of future architects. This not only broadens the perspective of architecture students, but provides them with practical and theoretical tools to address climate change in their future professional practice. This incorporation of principles of adaptation and resilience into urban and architectural design is essential to train a new generation of professionals committed to creating more sustainable urban spaces adapted to climate change.
- Ecosocial approach. One of the most original features of the project is its eco-social perspective, which integrates the ecological and social dimensions of climate change adaptation. This approach recognises that adaptive solutions should not only focus on technical aspects, but should take into account the rights and needs of the most vulnerable groups, promoting greater social justice. Through this approach, COOLTORISE not only seeks to mitigate the effects of climate change, but also to improve social cohesion, creating more inclusive, healthy and resilient spaces for all.
Gender approach. Another relevant aspect is the gender approach adopted in the project. Climate change adaptation measures have been designed taking into account the specific needs and vulnerabilities of women and girls, especially in urban contexts where they have been shown to be most affected by the phenomenon of energy poverty. The project promotes gender equality by incorporating solutions that benefit all members of the community equally, ensuring that urban interventions do not exclude any group or perpetuate pre-existing inequalities.
COOLTORISE has implemented innovative and participatory strategies that can be adapted to different urban and climatic contexts. Some of the actions with the greatest potential for replicability include:
Participatory Diagnosis through activities such as climate walks. Climate walks are tours organized with the community, experts and technicians to identify how heat waves affect neighborhoods and what solutions can be implemented. During these walks, elements such as the availability of shade, natural ventilation and the characteristics of the homes are analyzed. This methodology is easily replicable, as it requires few resources and encourages collective learning based on observation and the experience of residents.
Community interventions in the public space of the neighbourhood to create small shelters from the heat in the open air. However, the creation of networks of climate shelters, that is, of public spaces and facilities conditioned to offer, among others, a relief service against high temperatures, must be a priority in the plans and interventions that address this problem from the local administration.
Mainstreaming climate change adaptation in architect training
The project has involved architecture and urban planning students in the design and implementation of climate solutions. Through practical interventions, these future professionals have integrated knowledge on adaptation to extreme heat, energy efficiency and eco-social solutions. This approach can be replicated in other universities and technical schools, ensuring that climate adaptation is a fundamental part of academic training.
Communication and awareness strategies
To raise awareness of energy poverty in summer, practical guides, social media campaigns and educational activities aimed at different audiences have been developed. Materials have been produced in accessible formats, such as videos and infographics, explaining low-cost measures to reduce the impact of extreme heat. These strategies can be applied in any context, as they allow key information to be disseminated without the need for large investments.
Ecosocial and gender approach. This approach applied in the project has made it possible to develop solutions that consider both environmental sustainability and social justice. The integration of these principles into the design of interventions ensures that climate change adaptation measures are equitable and inclusive, responding to the needs of the most vulnerable groups. This model, which combines citizen participation, gender-differentiated impact analysis and the promotion of community solutions, is easily replicable in other urban contexts affected by extreme heat and energy poverty.
Regarding the obstacles that have appeared in the development and execution of the project, we would highlight:
1. Lack of awareness about energy poverty in summer.
One of the main challenges has been the low visibility of energy poverty in summer, compared to that of winter. Many people are unaware of the health effects of extreme heat and do not have coping strategies. To overcome this barrier, the project has worked on awareness campaigns and promoted the inclusion of the problem in the public agenda.
2. Difficulties for citizen participation
To address this challenge, flexible strategies have been designed, such as informal meetings and activities in everyday spaces, facilitating the participation of different social groups.
3. Resource and funding constraints
The implementation of heat adaptation solutions is often conditioned by budget constraints, especially in under-resourced communities. To overcome this obstacle, COOLTORISE has promoted low-cost interventions, encouraged the use of accessible materials, and established partnerships with other entities that have provided resources or funding.
4. Mindset shift in the architecture and urban planning sectors.. Historically, climate adaptation has been an underconsidered aspect of urban planning and architectural design. To transform this reality, the project has worked with universities, integrating the ecosocial approach in teaching and encouraging future architects to include climate resilience criteria in their designs.
The COOLTORISE project is funded with European H2020 funds and its total budget amounts to €1,515,242.50.
Benefits associated with this action in other areas and sectors:
- Improving health Reducing the impact of extreme heat on vulnerable homes reduces health risks, especially among the elderly, children and groups living in energy poverty.
- Reduced energy consumption and emissions The passive solutions implemented, such as natural shading, improved ventilation and the use of reflective materials, reduce the need for air conditioning, generating savings in energy bills and reducing the carbon footprint in the participating cities.
- Empowerment and social cohesion The active participation of citizens in the design and implementation of solutions has strengthened the social fabric, promoting community empowerment and the appropriation of urban space. The integration of eco-social and gender approaches has ensured that solutions are inclusive and equitable.
- Educational and professional innovationThe involvement of future architects in interventions has made it possible to incorporate learning about adaptation to climate change into university education. This makes it easier for new generations of professionals to integrate sustainability and resilience criteria into their professional practice.
Estimating and measuring benefits
- Effectiveness indicators: Variations in the indoor temperature of the homes, reduction in energy consumption and satisfaction of the beneficiaries have been analysed through surveys and on-site measurements.
Monetization of benefits: The economic savings derived from the reduction of energy consumption have been calculated.
The European Union has developed a regulatory framework to address energy poverty and protect vulnerable consumers. The main European regulations and recommendations in this area are highlighted below:
Directives and Regulations:
• Directive 2009/72/EC: Introduces the concept of energy poverty and establishes the obligation of Member States to identify and protect vulnerable customers in the internal electricity market.
• Directive (EU) 2019/944: Requires Member States to adopt measures to protect vulnerable customers and address energy poverty, including the definition of specific criteria and the implementation of appropriate policies.
• Regulation (EU) 2018/1999: Obliges Member States to assess and address energy poverty in their National Energy and Climate Plans, setting specific targets and measures to reduce the number of households affected.
Recommendations of the European Commission:
• Recommendation (EU) 2020/1563: Provides guidance on how Member States can address energy poverty, including identifying appropriate indicators and defining what constitutes a significant number of affected households.
• Recommendation (EU) 2023/2407: Updates previous guidance and reinforces the need for Member States to integrate measures against energy poverty into their national policies, highlighting the importance of a fair and equitable energy transition.
Recent initiatives:
• Affordable Energy Action Plan (2025): Presented by the European Commission, this plan seeks to reduce energy costs, complete the Energy Union and attract investment, with the aim of saving up to €45 billion on the EU's energy bill by 2025
National legislation:
• National Strategy against Energy Poverty 2019-2024: Prepared by the Ministry for Ecological Transition, this strategy establishes an official definition of energy poverty and vulnerable consumers, diagnoses the situation in Spain and sets targets for reducing this social problem that affects more than 3.5 million people in our country.
• Royal Decree-Law 15/2018, of 5 October: Introduces urgent measures for the energy transition and consumer protection, including the creation of the thermal social bonus aimed at alleviating energy poverty in vulnerable consumers with regard to energy for heating and hot water, among others.
• Royal Decree-Law 23/2021, of 26 October: Implements urgent measures in the field of energy for the protection of consumers and the introduction of transparency in the wholesale and retail markets of electricity and natural gas, reinforcing the protection of vulnerable consumers.
Legislation in the Community of Madrid:
• Energy Sustainability Law of the Community of Madrid: This law aims to ensure the supply of energy in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way, considering the needs of society, especially the most disadvantaged sectors. Among the measures are the creation of the Energy Foundation and the approval of the H2020 Energy Plan, which have made it possible to reduce relative energy consumption, improve efficiency and increase the generation of renewable energy.
• Thermal Social Bonus: The Community of Madrid manages direct aid aimed at alleviating energy poverty in the most vulnerable consumers with regard to energy for heating and hot water, among others. All consumers who are covered by the social discount for electricity on 31 December of the previous year will benefit from it, without the need to make any additional application.
01/09/2021 - 31/08/2024
Final report on activities developed with households to reduce summer energy poverty
Sánchez Guevara Sánchez, Carmen, Núñez Peiró, Marta, Gayoso Heredia, María, Torrego Gómez, David, Sanz Fernández, Ana, Simeonov, Georgi, Karamitreva, Gabriela, et al. 2024. Dealing with Summer Energy Poverty: A Guide. Universidad Politécnica de Madrid.
Carmen Sánchez Guevara (Coordinator of the COOLTORISE project)
Associate Professor
Director of the Master's Degree in Environment and Bioclimatic Architecture MAYAB
School of Architecture
Department of Architectural Construction and Technology
Avda. Juan de Herrera 4.
28040, Madrid SPAIN
✉ carmen.sanchezguevara@upm.es
✆ +34 910 67 48 83
