Stojilovska Ana, Szabó Sára, and Szücs Lili published the Trust to Transition toolkit, produced as part of the Local Initiatives for Green Housing Transitions (LIGHT) project, funded by the European Climate Foundation:

Stojilovska, A., Szabó, S., Szücs, L., & Kirilenko, K. (2026). Trust to Transition: Toolkit linking lived experience to local decarbonization action. Research Documentation Centre, ELTE Centre for Social Sciences https://doi.org/10.17203/KDK666  

The toolkit informs stakeholders about the challenges disadvantaged groups in Hungary face in the low-carbon transition. Based on action research, it focuses on Roma communities, single mothers, and migrants, showing how energy poverty is often linked to wider issues such as insecure housing, low income, discrimination, legal uncertainty, and care burdens.

A key message is that vulnerable groups should not be treated as “hard to reach”; instead, policies need to work through trusted local actors such as NGOs, foundations, and community organizations. These intermediaries can build trust, understand local needs, and help ensure that low-carbon policies are designed around real experiences rather than assumptions.

The toolkit also highlights practical, low-cost measures that can provide short-term relief, including painting after water damage, window and door seals, radiator reflective foil, water-saving tap aerators, and thermal curtains. It presents the Lightbringers Foundation as a good grassroots example, supporting Roma families with small off-grid solar systems that provide basic electricity and lighting.

Overall, the toolkit argues that small-scale measures can improve comfort and dignity, but they are not enough on their own. Systemic, well-funded, and inclusive policies are needed to ensure that disadvantaged groups can participate in - and benefit from - the low-carbon transition.