A systemic framework of energy efficiency in schools: experiences from six European countries

Abstract

Schools are complex physical and social institutions within national education systems. They account for significant energy consumption and like other buildings can demonstrate inefficient patterns of energy use. Poor energy performance of educational facilities is an intricate issue driven by complex causality of interconnected and dynamic factors. Addressing this issue requires a systemic approach, which is heretofore lacking. The aim of this research is to present and describe a systemic framework to facilitate energy reduction in schools across different European contexts. This transdisciplinary approach to sustainable energy use has been piloted in 13 post-primary schools located in six countries in northwest Europe. The research implements a series of planned activities and interventions, which help to unveil a systemic approach to improving energy efficiency in schools. The findings demonstrate how this approach, together with its ensuing methodologies and strategies, can contribute to reducing carbon emissions and improve knowledge and awareness around sustainable energy.

Sustainable Integration of Solar Energy, Behavior Change, and Recycling Practices in Educational Institutions: A Holistic Framework for Environmental Conservation and Quality Education

“…Brychkov and colleagues conducted an extensive investigation encompassing the experiences of six European nations, subsequently presenting a comprehensive systemic framework for enhancing energy efficiency in educational institutions, which they aptly named ENERGE [38]. The ENERGE framework is a comprehensive strategy for raising energy efficiency in educational institutions all around Europe.…”

Blockchain for energy efficiency training in the construction industry

“…Moreover, the implementation of extensive training initiatives on a significant scale can impose a substantial demand on resources and create financial difficulties. The identification of cost-effective strategies for the delivery of training content, the engagement of diverse audiences, and the monitoring of progress play a pivotal role in facilitating the widespread acceptance and implementation of energy efficiency practices (Brychkov et al, 2023).…”

Energy-Saving Triangle: Internalizing Islamic Ethical Values on Energy Saving in Integrative Learning

“…The energy literacy framework serves as the foundation of energy-saving learning, placing significant emphasis on attitudes and behaviors. Within this framework, the attitudinal and behavioral components take a prominent position at the base of the triangle, being actively prioritized over cognitive components at the top (Brychkov et al 2023).…”

“…Moreover, previous research on internalizing the ethical value of energy-saving primarily focuses on universal ethical values related to environmental messaging (Samperiz and Herrero 2018), affinity and fear with nature (Cho and Lee 2018), climate change (Fleming et al 2019;Hestness et al 2019;Ouariachi et al 2019), ecological impact (Zangori and Cole 2019), energy-saving (Bayley et al 2020), alternative energy (Satriawan and Rosmiati 2022), energy efficiency (Brychkov et al 2023), and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Fleming et al 2019). Notably, our systematic review research in the preliminary study (Rohmatulloh et al 2022) and by Wan Mohamad and Osman (2022) did not identify energy-saving learning integrated with religious ethical values.…”