The "Sustainable consumer and the energy transformation of the Metropolis GZM" project aims to support the implementation of scientific research by young scientists by co-funding the acquisition of empirical data and dissemination of research results nationally and internationally. Activities include the following:

• assessment and identification of behavioral patterns, attitudes and motivations of energy consumers - residents of Metropolis GZM in the era of ongoing climate change and current economic crises;
• assessment of actual environmental activities and investments made by consumers;
• diagnosis of barriers to the development of sustainable energy consumption in the region;
• formulation of recommendations for the Metropolis GZM authorities to develop practical tools and incentives for raising residents' environmental awareness.

This research task will be carried out by dr Sylwia Supik and involves the following activities:

1. literature review on the subject matter covered by the research task (national and international), as well as public institutions' strategic and operational documents;
2. analysis of publicly available secondary data (CSO data, Eurostat, etc.), including those compiled in the form of national and international reports and studies on the behavior, attitudes and awareness of energy consumers;
3. outline of an original research study on the impact of internal and external conditions on the formation of attitudes and behavior of energy consumers in Metropolis GZM;
4. preparation and analysis of statistical data collected as part of the ongoing research task;
5. presentation of research results at prestigious national and international scientific conferences;
6. preparation of a scientific paper presenting the results of the research.

The project is research-oriented and part of a broader effort to develop the discipline of the Economics of Climate Change and the expert image of our University in this field. It is also a response to current and future challenges of the region's energy management, climate and energy policy as part of the green transition process. It touches on problems related to reducing low emissions, shaping pro-environmental attitudes, sustainable energy consumption and using renewable energy sources. It also responds to the needs of the Metropolis GZM to design practical tools and an incentive system to increase energy efficiency and create more sustainable and inclusive communities.

The project is coordinated by dr hab. Monika Wieczorek-Kosmala, prof. UE. It is part of the "ECOnomics4Climate II" cluster, which is being implemented by Prof. Wieczorek-Kosmala, with support from Internationalization.

The project has been co-financed by the Metropolis GZM within the framework of the "Metropolitan Science and Education Support Fund" program for the years 2022-2024 in the amount of PLN 34,200.00.

Project implementation period: February – November 2024.