Tackling misinformation in the energy retrofitting sector
As we celebrate Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week, it is crucial to highlight how media literacy plays a vital role in addressing the challenges of misinformation in the energy retrofitting sector. Misinformation, often fueled by a lack of transparency and misunderstanding of complex technical processes, has led to skepticism among the public and stakeholders alike. This distrust creates a barrier to the successful implementation of energy retrofitting projects, which are essential for reducing emissions and improving the energy efficiency of buildings across Europe.
In an era where information spreads rapidly, media literacy is key to discerning credible sources from unreliable ones, especially when it comes to energy- related projects. The energy retrofitting sector often faces criticism due to misconceptions about cost-effectiveness, long-term benefits, and the complexity of the technologies involved. Misinformation can quickly erode trust, making it harder for stakeholders—whether homeowners, municipalities, or businesses—to commit to sustainable energy solutions.
Increasing media literacy can empower:
· individuals to critically assess the information they receive, helping to foster trust in retrofitting initiatives and their positive impact on both the environment and energy bills.
· stakeholders to communicate accurate, clear, and actionable information. This can also create a moreinformed and engaged audience, ready to support and embrace energy retrofitting initiatives.
Bridging the trust gap with homeowners and stakeholders
Building trust with homeowners and stakeholders in the energy retrofitting process requires both transparency and proactive engagement. One effective approach is to involve local communities and stakeholders early in the project’s planning phase.
By hosting public consultations, providing clear and accessible information about the benefits of energy retrofitting, and addressing concerns through open dialogue, project leaders can demystify the process and help overcome common misconceptions.
Another key solution is to leverage real-world examples and case studies that highlight successful retrofitting projects and feature them on social media and other online platforms. Showing measurable outcomes—such as energy savings, improved comfort, and lower energy bills—can help dispel doubts and demonstrate the tangible benefits of energy-efficient upgrades. Trust can be further strengthened by offering independent assessments or third-party certifications, which validate the quality and effectiveness of retrofitting efforts.
Additionally ,fostering long-term relationships with local contractors, building managers, and homeowners can help sustain trust throughout the retrofitting process. Offering financial incentives, easy-to-understand guides, and ongoing technical support ensures that stakeholders are not left in the dark. Involving trusted, local experts who can provide clear guidance and dispel myths about costs, timelines, and outcomes can make the retrofitting process more approachable and reliable for all involved.
Part of SHERLOCK educational programme will focus on stakeholder engagement and highlight effective communication strategies to build trust among the involved parties thereby enhancing energy retrofitting efforts.
Beyond the energy retrofitting sector – the digital energy transition
Offering transparent information and tools for access is crucial in helping people make informed decisions, not just in energy retrofitting, but across all energy-related areas, including the digitalisation of the energy transition. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly or those unfamiliar with digital tools. Combatting misinformation and building trust in new technologies are essential steps to help these populations adapt to advancements like smart meters, which are changing how individuals consume and understand energy. These tools require understanding new ways of gathering information and using digital technologies for personal benefit.
In order to tackle the problem of accessible information at its core, the Every1 project aims to enable everyone to participate and engage in the digitalisation of energy, through outreach, stakeholder engagement and knowledge sharing.
To achieve the involvement of as many individuals as possible, including groups of people less familiar with modern technology or digital tools in general, providing learning materials that are informative, engaging, and easily accessible becomes essential. This ensures that those who have yet to explore the new opportunities provided by the digitalisation of the energy transition are not left behind. Whether through smart meters that track electricity use or smartphone apps for home energy management, digital technologies are already apart of daily life, sometimes without being noticed. By understanding their role in energy consumption, more impactful decisions can be made.
Ultimately, the goal is to empower all energy consumers to make smarter choices about how and when we use energy, integrating digital tools to improve our understanding of energy consumption.
Conclusion
Global MILWeek reminds us that in the fight against climate change, fostering trust through accurate information is just as important as the technical innovations driving the energy transition. Providing clear, factual, and accessible information to a broad audience is key to building trust and helping people leverage digital tools to better understand their energy use, leading to more informed energy decisions.
