Socio-Cultural Impact of Energy Saving: Studying the Behaviour of Elementary School Students in Greece

Abstract

Abstract:Education makes it possible for students to become familiar with the rational management of energy as well as learn to implement energy saving practices in their everyday life. The study of certain student characteristics helps in the direction of applying strategies of behavioural change. The aim of this research is to record the knowledge and attitudes of elementary school students in the Prefecture of Evros with regard to energy saving. The collection of research data was done through the use of a structured and anonymous questionnaire with closed questions. The method used for the collection of the research data was cluster sampling. This involved 17 elementary schools of the continental part of the prefecture. 612 questionnaires were completed by students of the 5th and 6th grade of these schools. The evaluation of the research data showed that 69.6% of the students think that the most appropriate house temperature is 20 • C with 79.1% of the students keeping the thermostat switched off while the house is aired. With regard to the use of TV, stereo, play station and PC the research showed that 93.8% of the students switch off the above devices when these are not in use. In parallel, 86.6% of the respondents usually or always switch off the lights when coming out of a room and 46.2% of the students use energy saving bulbs. Also, 93% of the students recycle because they believe that doing so contributes to the protection of the environment while 41% always chooses to walk to school. With regard to the significance of reasons concerning energy saving 85.9% thinks that energy saving is important to very important for reducing environmental pollution.

Environmental Behavior of Secondary Education Students: A Case Study at Central Greece

“…Another critical issue is lack of environmental projects funding from private-based ownership, since Greek university funding is mainly state-dependent [75]. Furthermore, Sustainability 2018, 10, 1663 4 of 22 a study for Greek elementary students in the Prefecture of Evros reveals that students are sensitive to energy management issues and recycling [76].…”

Energy Saving: Views and Attitudes among Primary School Students and Their Parents

“…In addition, renewables are environmentally benign since they release relatively low levels of carbon dioxide or other climate-harming gases into the atmosphere [3]. What is more, the rational use of renewable sources encompasses energy saving and environmental protection so that human needs can be met sustainably both now and in the future [4].…”

“…Our future is reliant on the energy education provided for all citizens. To prepare students to build a sustainable future, schools should provide them with knowledge, skills, and values that will help them become autonomous citizens capable of drawing conclusions on technology types and social organization [4]. Attitudes are not shaped and cultivated only at school, but also in students' direct environments, in their families.…”

Education, Communication and Decision-Making on Renewable and Sustainable Energy

“…The main goal of this special issue is the determination of methodologies which can be applied in education in order to raise the awareness of students as well as their families in issues related to renewable sources as well as in issued related to energy conservation [5,6].…”