Charalampos Tsavdaroglou
Postdoctoral Researcher, Human Geography, Planning and International Development Studies (DPIO), University of Amsterdam
Environment
I am a post-doctoral researcher in the Horizon 2021-2027 program: “Prototypes for addressing the housing-energy-nexus” (PREFIGURE). It examines the energy conditions in state-run refugee camps and housing shelters in Northern Greece. Specifically, my research addresses the housing-energy nexus of newcomers (people on the move, asylum seekers and recognized refugees) in state-run refugee camps in the wider area around Thessaloniki in Greece and in self-managed alternative housing structures within the city of Thessaloniki. The research examines the existing energy conditions in the state-run refugee camps, the programs and approaches of state services, the perceptions of the residing refugee and asylum seekers and possible new applications of environmentally friendly, renewable energy sources and energy saving methods. At the same time, it examines the practices of newcomers living in occupied houses in the urban fabric of Thessaloniki.
Postdoc research focus
I examine refugees’ housing – energy nexus as a social relation that oscillates between practices of solidarity and means of oppression. Refugees and asylum seekers are especially vulnerable to poverty, including housing and energy poverty. A lack of safe access to adequate energy and housing poses serious risks in terms of social inclusion. My research addresses the pressing academic and social need to examine refugees’ housing and energy vulnerability.
