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A ‘double-eyed’ approach to a just energy transition in underprivileged neighbourhoods
An article was recently published that succinctly explains how the Just Prepare project aims to contribute to the energy transition in neighbourhoods with a dilapidated housing stock, limited economic vitality and a significant need for renovation. Yet there is often considerable resistance to renovation projects in these neighbourhoods. As a result, opportunities to give the energy transition a boost are being missed.
In this article, we share with interested readers where we believe this resistance stems from, and what can be done about it. We point out that this resistance stems in part from a general lack of trust in the government, housing associations and other key players – often fuelled by past experiences. However, two other factors explain the resistance just as much, namely:
- a mismatch between the needs and daily practices of UN residents on the one hand, and standard ET solutions on the other,
- a mismatch between local residents and the key stakeholders who steer the ET.
These two mismatches and the existing mistrust can reinforce one another. This can lead to a downward spiral of ineffective or overly expensive solutions, declining trust and inequalities.
From a downward spiral to an upward spiral
In the Just Prepare project, we are trying to turn this downward spiral into an upward one. We do this by addressing the two mismatches. Firstly, we use methods to ‘see things from multiple perspectives (Double-eyed).’ These are smart ways of letting residents themselves indicate their needs and living practices, and then using the knowledge of designers and other experts to turn this into better solutions. Secondly, we are developing frameworks and processes for collaboration between residents, housing associations, local authorities and other stakeholders. This enables them to design plans for the energy transition together.
We illustrate this approach with brief examples from the four neighbourhoods in Amsterdam, Gemert, Nijmegen and Rotterdam where we are working with residents and other stakeholders. We conclude with a few recommendations for future research.
With this article, we hope to further promote our approach, not only in the Netherlands but also beyond. This will enable the approach to be applied in other places as well. And, drawing on experiences from elsewhere, it can also be further developed.
John Grin, Joep Frens, Thomas Hoppe, Erik Jansen, Thaleia Konstantinou, Lenneke Kuijer, Roel Loonen, Stan Majoor, Sietske Veenman, Floris Vermeulen, Mark Wiering, Anna de Zeeuw, Imrat Verhoeven (2026). ‘Towards effective and just energy transitions in underprivileged neighbourhoods: A double-eyed and sociotechnical approach,’ Energy Research & Social Science, Vol 136, 104748, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2026.104748
John Grin
Project Lead for Just Prepare and Professor at the University of Amsterdam