Step2Save was established in 2007 as a combined project — sponsored by Philips — of the housing associations Far West and Ymere, the City of Amsterdam and the Dutch Power Company NUON. Young people were trained by the latter to become Energy Advisors.

Furthermore, so-called “Energy Saving Boxes” were composed, containing a number of energy-efficient devises, which were distributed free of charge among all residents. The newly recruited Energy Advisors were sent door-to-door to install these free devises and to give advice or perform audits on energy-efficiency. The use of these products definitely pays off, since they reduce carbon dioxide emissions by KG200 and save 80 Euros on an annual basis.