Facing a growing waitlist and rising costs, Vaasa is building energy-efficient student housing in months, not years — cutting emissions and keeping rents in reach.
Next Lunchtime Knowledge Exchange on 14.04.2026
On 14 April, we’re joining forces with the HouseInc project in a knowledge-transfer session focused on LivingLabs. From data to action! Living Labs foster collaboration between residents, policymakers, and housing …
Bringing local innovation to the European stage
On 24.03.2026 we are meeting with POWGEN. This time, our Lunchtime Knowledge Exchange focusses on local clusters. Across Europe, project partners collaborate closely with municipalities, housing providers, citizens, and local …
Next Lunchtime Knowledge Exchange: “Tackling energy poverty through social housing renovation”
Join us on 27 February 2026 at 13-14h CET The February edition of our Lunchtime knowledge exchange will examine how renovation initiatives across Europe can more effectively reach vulnerable groups …
Student housing in Vaasa: Affordable, Energy Efficient, Comfortable
In December 2024, the Merikulma student housing building near the University of Vaasa campus was completed, offering 28 modern apartments built to the highest energy efficiency standards. With Energy Class A performance, Merikulma features thick insulated walls, highly efficient ventilation systems, and advanced window technology. Students living in Merikulma can monitor electricity and heat use via a mobile app, with water consumption and recycling data coming soon. In this video, we explore the residence and hear directly from a student about everyday life in this forward-looking, energy-smart home.
Get ready for the next “Lunchtime Knowledge Exchange”!
On 28 January, we’re joining forces with Reschool Project in a knowledge-transfer session focused on citizen engagement and innovative participation tools such as serious games. Why citizen engagement? The energy …
We are launching a new format: The Lunchtime Knowledge Exchange !
We are pleased to announce the launch of a Lunchtime Knowledge Exchange. In this monthly online format, ProLight will invite a sister project working on related topics, like energy efficiency in …
Three Days of Collaboration in Vaasa, Finland
Beginning of October, partners of the ProLight consortium gathered in Vaasa, Finland, for a three-day meeting filled with teamwork, learning, and forward-looking discussions. The event brought partners together to share …
Gernika’s Renewable Energy Revolution – Solar Power for All?
In the Basque Country, the town of Gernika stands out as one of Spain’s first energy communities, leading the transition toward a sustainable future. Through the European project “ProLight,” this Basque town is pioneering a community-driven approach to #renewableenergy. At the heart of the initiative is the installation of #solarpanels at San Fidel School, enabling Gernika to harness the power of the sun while fostering local collaboration. The project is not only reducing the town’s #carbonfootprint but also empowering residents. The solar panels generate enough clean energy to supply around 150 nearby homes and small businesses within a 500-meter radius. How crucial is community engagement in making this possible? And what challenges have arisen along the way? In this interview, Itziar Vidorreta from Cluster Gaia shares insights and answers these key questions.
How one Portuguese neighbourhood hopes to end “energy poverty” for locals
People throughout face increasing energy costs, leaving them vulnerable to uncomfortable and even unhealthy living conditions. At the same time the buildings they live in present a major environmental challenge…