EU Funding
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Project summary
Across Europe, citizens continue to purchase large quantities of under-utilised consumer goods, such as DIY tools, electronics and leisure equipment. This is largely due to the limited rental options available and the lack of awareness surrounding existing access services. As a result, people spend unnecessary money on items they rarely use and that occupy valuable space in their homes. These consumption patterns also reinforce an unsustainable economic model in which goods are overproduced and valuable resources wasted.
The project aims to:
- support SMEs, NGOs, and social enterprises in expanding their access-based offerings;
- increase citizens’ awareness of the access economy through events, online platforms, and local branding; and
- help municipalities shape the governance conditions and regulations needed to scale their local access ecosystems over time.
A key element is the “aggregator”: a digital hub that showcases all local access-economy services in one place. This concept will be piloted in seven municipalities to help residents learn about, find and take advantage of rental services in their local area.