In the heart of Waterschei, an intimate gathering at the community centre brought together some of the owners of the oPEN Lab test homes. For the first time, these residents had the opportunity to see the 5 first selected oPEN Lab houses in the garden city.
During the session, VITO and STEBO shared practical tips on optimizing energy consumption in an oPEN Lab test home. Residents explored key questions such as:
- How should you set your thermostat when going on vacation in winter or summer?
- When is the best time to run the dryer in relation to solar panel production?
- How often should the ventilation system filter be replaced?
- ….
Each household received a personalized information binder, allowing them to collect all relevant oPEN Lab documents and technical details for easy reference.
Beyond technical advice, the gathering fostered a sense of community. Residents shared their renovation experiences, exchanged ideas, and asked the oPEN Lab team practical questions about their homes. The discussions highlighted both the challenges and successes of transitioning to a more energy-efficient lifestyle.
Of course, no activity in Genk would be complete without a warm cup of coffee and sugar waffles! The casual setting encouraged open conversations, strengthening the bond between participants and reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the oPEN Lab project.
The warm atmosphere and enthusiastic exchange clearly show that this gathering is definitely worth repeating!
