CRN’s Energy Cafés
In a bid to combat energy poverty and promote sustainable energy practices, CRN conducted three Energy Cafés in Berlin, integrated into community events on 14 June, 21 June, and 5 July. The gatherings were part of a bigger effort to inform people, offering a leaflet created by POWERING CITIZENS partners, with knowledge and tools to manage energy consumption effectively.
The Energy Cafés are designed to reach citizens who have not previously engaged in energy-related discussions, offering a supportive and inclusive space for open dialogue. The aim is to build trust, listen to local needs, and ensure that the voices of energy-poor and vulnerable residents are included in decision-making processes. The first three cafés, held in Wedding, Berlin, created vital touchpoints between civil society and energy transition efforts.
To engage a wide audience across Berlin’s Wedding district and beyond, the CRN team recently joined several major local events: MACHMALPLATZ Action Day on Manga‑Bell‑Platz, Fête de la Musique 2025, and the 15th Intercultural Football Tournament with BAOBAB Diversity Fair. At each event, we connected with participants to talk about the project, energy poverty, and energy‑saving tips, promoted our survey, and distributed flyers.
14 June – MACHMALPLATZ – Action Day on Manga‑Bell‑Platz
Held as part of the Langer Tag der Stadtnatur, this event invited local residents, families of kids from Möwensee‑Schule, and decision‑makers to explore urban ecology and sustainability. Under sunny skies and in the midst of unusually high temperatures, CRN spoke to attendees in a relaxed setting about their energy habits and how rising heat impacts everyday energy use. The climate adaptation theme of the event encouraged further reflections on how the climate crisis affects living conditions, particularly in poorly insulated homes. The energy survey naturally led to deeper conversations: many were curious about energy‑poverty indicators and shared personal experiences. Among others, we were also joined by energyECO, a student‑led group offering hands-on advice on energy efficiency and Pindactica, an organization that develops inclusive, interactive educational materials for schools and families on sustainability and environmental protection.
21 June – Fête de la Musique at Centre Français de Berlin
At the lively and multicultural Fête de la Musique, our Energy Café became a conversation point between concerts. The CRN team engaged festival-goers in relaxed discussions about energy habits and inequalities in access to sustainable energy. This casual setting helped lower barriers to participation, especially for those not usually involved in energy or environmental debates.
5 July – 15th Intercultural Football Tournament & BAOBAB Diversity Fair
During this vibrant event organized by NARUD e.V., CRN hosted an Energy Café alongside the BAOBAB Diversity Fair. Visitors, many from Berlin’s African diaspora, shared personal stories about housing conditions and energy challenges. It was an important opportunity to connect with community members and other grassroots organizations, and to highlight the intersection of social justice and energy transition. This year, we were honored to receive the Baobab Prize for Engagement in Global Education in the Category Empowerment and Participation!
These first three Energy Cafés mark a promising start to our efforts to tackle energy poverty locally. By embedding the cafés in community-centered events, we ensured low-threshold access and fostered genuine conversations. More Energy Cafés will follow in our partner countries: Italy, Albania, Kosovo, Greece, and the Netherlands.
