Sharing energy, building community
Back in 2022, I had the pleasure of working with Th!nk E in Leuven, Belgium, on a project that blended research, innovation, and design. Together with Leen Peeters, Elise van Dijk, Arnor Van Leemputten, and Matthijs Coninx, we created a small yet impactful "encyclopedia"—a resource designed to make energy sharing more accessible.
The result? A two-fold publication: an interactive encyclopedia and a step-by-step plan, both available as downloadable PDFs from the Kenniscentrum Vlaamse Steden website. These guides aim to break down barriers and provide practical solutions for implementing energy sharing in cities and apartment buildings.
Recently I’ve been reflecting on the idea of sharing—not just gifts, but also resources. Energy isn’t typically thought of as something we can “give” to one another, yet with sunny days and excess renewable electricity, the potential is there. More than just a climate solution, energy sharing fosters community, strengthening the bonds between neighbors. Systemic change, movement building, and resilient communities all start with individuals who commit to working together.
In recent years, devastating floods across Europe—Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland (2021), and more recently in Italy, Slovenia, and Poland (2023)—have shown us the power of mutual aid. In times of crisis, people come together, sharing what they have to support those in need. This spirit of collaboration and generosity is something we should embrace not only in emergencies but in our everyday lives.
For me, contributing to this transition means using the skills I already have—spreading the love for research, innovation, and sustainability through graphic design. Designing this encyclopedia was more than just a project; it was a way to support the movement toward a fairer and more sustainable world.
I invite you to explore the resources we created and consider how energy sharing can become part of our collective future. Let’s build systems that not only reduce our carbon footprint but also bring us closer together.
Publisher: Self-published by Agata Smok for Th!nk E, Belgium 2022
Commissioned by ©Kenniscentrum Vlaamse Steden, 2022
Graphic Design: Agata Smok, Th!nk E, November 2022
Authors: Th!nk E - Leen Peeters, Elise van Dijk, Arnor Van Leemputten, Matthijs Coninx
Cover photo: Ecolife project in Kortrijk, © Agata Smok
Energy sharing allows apartment residents to distribute self-generated energy to neighbors, friends, or other users. While promising, many urban rooftops remain underutilized due to a lack of knowledge and experience among property managers and owners' associations.
Commissioned by Kenniscentrum Vlaamse Steden, Th!nk E conducted an in-depth study, including over 20 numerical simulations, to explore the benefits of energy sharing in different scenarios. To support cities, municipalities, and residents, we developed an accessible encyclopedia and a practical step-by-step plan.
These guides aim to remove obstacles and enable successful energy-sharing initiatives. Together, we can create a future where energy is not just consumed but shared, making sustainable living accessible to all.
