Energy Literacy and Sustainability Aspects: Evidence from Greece

Abstract

Energy education is an integral part of energy, environmental and economic literacy. Energy literacy is a multidimensional concept and its possession leads to an energy autonomous and secure society. However, little attention has been paid to the energy literacy of Greek secondary school students. This research aims to shed light on aspects related to the energy education of Greek students. The importance of this research stems from the need for students to be energy literate in order to have the ability to make appropriate decisions as future consumers. Primary data were collected in the Attica region by distributing a questionnaire. The results show that students have incomplete and fragmentary knowledge about energy. School appears as their main source of information while they state that they discuss a lot about saving energy in their family, for which they have a positive attitude. Students appear to have behaviours that promote sustainability. Girls seem to present more responsible attitudes towards environmental issues. Higher grade students tend to be more accurate on knowledge questions. The results do not reveal statistically significant differences between students who participate and those who do not participate in environmental organizations. Three energy literacy profiles were identified by the analysis: a) informed but passive, b) active and sensitized and c) moderately informed and inactive. As educational programs in Greece are undergoing a transformation process, this research could be a powerful tool for education policy makers. It is recommended that these programs be oriented towards energy sustainability.