Research and development projects aiming to increase young adults' knowledge of energy and energy efficiency

Panel: 3. Local action

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Mia Abramsson, Swedish Energy Agency, Sweden
Anders Jidesjö, Swedish Energy Agency

Abstract

Children and young adults pose as an important target group in order to increase energy efficiency. With increased knowledge and awareness the target group could play a constructive role in the current and future transition of the energy system. The correlation between knowledge, awareness and behavioural change is central for increased energy efficiency in society

Children and young adults and their interest in the natural and technology sciences is of central importance to ensure the long-term competence needed for a transformation of the energy system.

To support this development the Swedish Energy Agency started with young adults as a target group in research and development projects in 2008. Since then, approx 50 MSEK has been allocated for projects focusing on developing practical methods and tools, educational material and in-service training for teachers. Between 2008 and 2014 around 30 projects have been supported and one of them is KNUT.

KNUT is a national school project aiming to increasing students’ knowledge regarding energy and energy efficiency. KNUT also stimulates career choices in the area of energy and climate and therefor strengthens Sweden's competence and competitiveness future in these areas.

KNUT’s size is unique for a school project, coordinating over 18775 students, 6797 teachers, 343 schools and universities, 222 companies and 55 municipalities in working with the projects activities. To ensure the scientific base, a follow-up research group from Linköping University has followed the project’s activities, allowing KNUT interventions being based on research about learning.

The follow-up research group has identified six success factors regarding energy and energy efficiency to become part of education:

– Society development and education function

– The content in and outside of school

– Relationships between the national, regional and local

– Recruitment and general knowledge etc.

The paper will give an overview of research and development projects aiming to increase young adults knowledge about energy and energy efficiency and KNUT’s follow-up research group results, analysis and success factors.