Energy literacy–practical trainings for sustainable energy consumption via personal behavioural changes
▶Summary
The implementation of the El-Practice project facilitated the convergence of two important and underutilized potentials – knowledge of sustainable energy use and the education of young adults. It ...
▶Objectives
The objective of the El-Practice project was to support young adults in expanding their knowledge and enhancing their qualifications, abilities, and skills in sustainable energy utilization, as well as increasing their self-confidence, leading to greater involvement in creating a sustainable society and assuming responsibility for their life choices. Within the project, existing competencies and awareness levels regarding energy literacy among young adults were identified (PR1), followed by the development of a publicly accessible and interactive e-course (PR2), tailored to the needs of the young adults (PR3). A key aspect was also to support positive changes related to energy use, promote its sustainable utilization, and increase ecological awareness among citizens, taking into account the climate goals of the EU. Enhancing competencies in energy and climate issues and promoting habit changes at the individual level was achieved not only through course development but also through interactions with stakeholders, addressing the need for comprehensive education and actions in these areas.
▶Activities
The project placed particular emphasis on developing an interactive and publicly accessible e-course on sustainable energy use. The course was designed to effectively engage and educate young adults, the main target group of the El-Practice project. A key result of the project is the online platform, which served as the focal point of all partners' activities. The platform was created to facilitate interactive remotely learning in energy literacy. Educational materials were divided into thematic modules covering key energy-related issues, such as actions under the European Green Deal, financing opportunities for investments in renewable energy, efficient resource management, and practical advice on implementing positive energy habits at home. Each training session includes active start, active learning, summaries, a glossary of key terms, as well as a quiz to test gained knowledge. The course was developed in English and translated into five national languages. Key activities also included organizing two training sessions for project partners and young adults. Project was widely promoted through various communication channels.
▶Impact
The El-Practice project allowed for the achievement of three main outcomes: PR1 – COMPETENCES ABOUT ENERGY LITERACY BY YOUNG ADULTS. Analyses were conducted to map existing competencies of young adults in energy-related skills in the project's partner countries. Competency gaps and deficiencies were identified, forming the basis for further development of training content and the e-course. PR2 – EL-PRACTICE MOBILE-FRIENDLY PLATFORM. A mobile online platform was developed as the basis for training in energy literacy, created within the framework of Project Result 3. The platform aimed to engage young people in interactive distance learning and expand their knowledge in an innovative way, enabling the implementation of small changes related to energy use in everyday life. PR3 – EL-PRACTICE MODULE BOOSTING ENERGY LITERACY COMPETENCIES IN. Online training content was developed in aim to support the expansion of knowledge in the field of energy, energy literacy, and climate, as well as to contribute to behaviour change among young people. The course was integrated with the mobile platform (developed as part of Project Result 2), ensuring the consistency of actions and access to education at different levels of advancement.