In the Genk oPEN Living Lab, Loomy Lamps were recently installed in homes in Tuinwijk Waterschei (private homeowners supported by Stebo) and in Nieuw Texas, a social housing district managed by Wonen in Limburg. These colourful smart lamps are more than just a design element, they are a tool to help residents understand and adjust their energy use in a simple, intuitive way.
What is the Loomy lamp?
Loomy is a smart lamp that changes colour depending on where your electricity comes from:
· 🟢 Green = solar energy
· 🟣 Purple = energy from your home battery
· 🟠 Orange = energy from the grid
This real-time feedback helps residents become more aware of their electricity use. When the lamp glows green, it means solar energy is available. This is the perfect timing to run your dishwasher or do your laundry.
Loomy is more than just a lamp. It’s a visual tool for awareness that makes the invisible (energy flows) suddenly visible. It helps people to understand when and how they consume energy, encouraging smarter and more sustainable habits.
“Since I got the lamp, I pay more attention to when I use things like the washing machine. The colours help me understand what’s going on behind the scenes.”
says a resident from Nieuw Texas.
Easy and supported installation
Residents received hands-on support during installation, including clear visual instructions and personal guidance. In many cases, a technician assisted with setting up the app and connecting the lamp to the home’s digital electricity meter. The setup process is designed to be simple, and tailored manuals were provided, adapted to whether a home includes a battery or not. This personal approach builds trust and ensures that residents feel confident using the new technology.
I personally like the app, but my wife and kids find the Loomy lamp really clear. It definitely takes away some of the worries about our energy use.”
says a home-owner living in Tuinwijk Waterschei.
Why Loomy makes a difference
The idea for Loomy emerged after several “energy dates” (i.e., personal conversations between residents and project partner) that revealed a common concern: people didn’t feel in control of their energy use. Technical systems introduced during home renovations often felt too abstract or complex. With Loomy we address that need directly, with:
· Visual feedback that is easy to interpret
· Behavioral tips per colour that residents can look up in their tailored manuals
· Human-centered support, including home visits and peer learning
· A first step toward energy awareness and autonomy
By literally shedding light on energy consumption, this tool helps residents feel more in control.
Loomy in action
Photos speak louder than words. That’s why we’re sharing a series of images showing the Loomy lamp in real homes
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Residents receiving their lamps
Cozy interior featuring the lamp in action
The photos highlight how residents are discovering new ways to engage with energy technology in a simple and relatable way.
Curious to learn more about Loomy and how oPEN Lab supports sustainable living? Follow us on the social media channels of oPEN Lab, Stebo, Wonen in Limburg, VITO, and EnergyVille.
