How can culture become a driver of the energy transition? This is the focus of Co-PED, a European research project exploring how social and cultural centres can act as catalysts for Positive Energy Districts. The idea is simple but powerful: when neighbours, schools, shops, and local institutions join forces, they can not only share renewable energy but also create fairer and more resilient communities.
In Innsbruck, Die Bäckerei – Kulturbackstube is one of eight Urban Living Labs across Europe. Together with Gemeinwohlenergie, Innsbrucker Kommunalbetriebe (IKB), the City of Innsbruck, and local residents, we are building a community-driven energy cooperative. Our aim is to make the energy transition visible and tangible — not just through technology, but also through culture. With debates, workshops, storytelling and artistic formats, we bring people together to understand energy as something communal and creative.
🌍 For international partners and funders
The Innsbruck lab addresses the urgent need for inclusive governance and innovative financial models in energy communities. By embedding the energy transition in a cultural venue that already hosts 200+ events annually and reaches 25,000 people, Co-PED tests how cultural infrastructures can amplify participation, build trust, and support democratic decision-making. Results from Innsbruck feed into cross-European research, policy recommendations, and toolkits to scale positive energy districts across diverse contexts.
By linking culture with climate action, Co-PED in Innsbruck shows that the future of energy can be inclusive, sustainable, and shared — just like a loaf of bread.