Following the Leader: Schools, Communities and Sustainability

摘要

Energy Action Australia is a comprehensive integrated sustainable living program that empowers young people, giving them the knowledge, the confidence and the permission to take action, to become more attune to the planet's natural resources and human's impact on the natural environment. To test its relevance and success in Australian schools, a number of schools volunteered to participate in a demonstration process (supported by ecco_2sol, Brisbane City Council and ACRE) that aims to measure the: 1. Effectiveness of the curriculum content and teaching resources 2. Effectiveness of professional development on the confidence of teachers to integrate energy studies into their planning across subject areas 3. Enthusiasm and ability of students to be involved in implementing their knowledge and skills in familiar environments 4. Ability of schools to establish and maintain strategies that result in reduction in CO_2 emissions and utility costs 5. Transfer of knowledge and skills from the school to the home, resulting in changes in behaviour and lowering of CO_2 emissions 6. Community recognition and uptake of energy efficiency and renewable energy products and services This paper will outline the program and the strategies, experiences and results of a number of Australian schools participating in the demonstration of Energy Action A ustralia.