Surveys conducted by ECODEL in 2003 among 45 families in Larache (120,000 inhabitants, 80 km south of Tangier) showed that spending on water and energy accounts, on average, for 8% of total household expenditure, rising to 17% for the lowest-income families. The potential for savings through behavioural and equipment changes is significant, but the families concerned are currently unaware of these opportunities: the savings potential for an average family is estimated at 19-30% for water, 13-29% for electricity, and 60% for gas. It should also be noted that 90% of the families surveyed wished to receive more information on energy-efficient equipment (solar water heaters, low-consumption lamps, energy-efficient refrigerators) and water-saving equipment (mixer taps, dual-flush toilets, aerators).
The project aims to develop, in Larache, behavioural, technical and economic information for the general public on energy and water savings.
The objective is to act on 3 fronts: behavioural change, equipment substitution, and maintenance and safety-related measures.