Developing Low Carbon Schools Model through Students Involvement in Sustainability Activities

Abstract

Low Carbon School students' involvement sustainability activities carbon literacy knowledge low carbon attitudes carbon literacy values low carbon practices Low Carbon Schools is an initiative that promotes activities of sustainability among school children by minimising carbon emission in the school environment. This study aimed to build a model of a Low Carbon School involving 224 secondary school students of SMK Kalumpang, Selangor, Malaysia. The survey was conducted using the seven steps of the Low Carbon Schools framework, by setting up low carbon clubs, conducting field studies, building action plans, monitoring and reviewing plans, developing links to the curriculum, encouraging involvement among the school community, and implementing a low carbon code. Evaluation of the framework results was conducted using pre-test and post-test assessments to examine carbon literacy knowledge, low carbon attitudes, carbon literacy values, and low carbon practices. The findings show that there was an increase in levels for the four variables between the assessments before and after the implementation of the programme. The results of this study are important for use as guides and examples for the schools that are interested in the implementation of this Low Carbon Schools initiative. Contribution/ Originality: This study contributes in the existing literature in Low Carbon School by modifying the Eco Schools framework and was first conducted in Malaysia in promoting reduction of carbon emissions in schools. The paper should be of interest to readers in the areas of environmental education.