Energy Conservation Behaviors and Awareness of Polish, Czech and Ukrainian Students: A Case Study

Abstract

Energy education of the younger generation, who are the future decision makers, investors, consumers, scientists, or skilled labor force in new energy technologies, is crucial for the future of Europe and the world. However, beyond the long-term goals of energy education policies, the short-term effects on energy conservation and the promotion of renewable energy sources are equally as important. The main purpose of the paper is to identify and analyze the behavior of students (who study the issues related to energy saving and RES), in terms of energy conservation. The conducted analysis focused on examining and comparing the scope of responses of the surveyed students in individual countries, especially in the Czech Republic, Poland, and Ukraine. The survey was carried out using the computer-assisted web interview (CAWI). Descriptive and graphical methods were used to present the results. Statistical analysis of the collected data included basic measures of descriptive statistics and the chi-square test. The main results of the study are as follows: Almost 60% of the surveyed students follow the principles of energy conservation; however increased educational activities on eco-energy behaviors is recommended. The share of RES in the heating systems of the studied residential buildings is 9%, on average, with the highest percentage of houses in Poland (14%) and the lowest in Ukraine (only 2.6%). When compared with literature reports, the collect data show that educational activities can be as effective as a tool in implementing RES and pro-environmental behaviors as the government’s environmental policy and household subsidies.

Improvement of information support to promote the economic advantages of energy saving under the conditions of military conflicts

“…In contrast to scientific work [1], where the above position was expressed in fragments, within the framework of this authentic study, the concept of energy efficiency acquired a special context, given the intensification of military conflicts. Educational activities can be the same effective tool in the implementation of energy saving and environmental patterns of behavior as state environmental policy and subsidies to households [10]. Educational tools have an impact on the direct consumer, aimed at the formation of a new consumer culture based on careful environmentally oriented behavior and a conscious choice of energy-saving measures [50].…”

“…A common political tool, which is used against imperfect information, is campaigns aimed at improving household decision-making by eliminating knowledge gaps [9]. Energy education of the younger generation, a high level of awareness in the field of energy efficiency, and new energy technologies is crucial for the future of the whole world [10].…”

A Strategy for Planned Product Aging in View of Sustainable Development Challenges

“…This results in managerial implications: taking up measures to reduce the strategies of shortening the life of products (i.e., focusing on durability and long-term functionality) will contribute to the improvement in the company's position in the market as an enterprise responding to consumer expectations and that, at the same time, is environmentally friendly. A special role in terms of practical implications is played by building eco-energy awareness of purchased products among young people, as in the future, they will be responsible for implementing energy-saving solutions in their households and the entire economy [66]. These activities are in line with the sustainable and circular economy system.…”

Green Entrepreneurship: Knowledge and Perception of Students and Professionals from Poland and Slovakia

“…Among green strategies focused on ecology, emphasis is placed on the rational use of natural, non-renewable resources, saving energy, water, and raw materials, using alternative energy sources, generating energy, or responding to climate change and preventing it [4,10,41,53,55]. Considering the depletion of raw materials, green projects are shifting towards a circular economy and the zero-waste concept, i.e., waste management and sorting, using recycled materials, reducing plastic consumption, and creating biodegradable products [8,[56][57][58].…”