Can Education Save Money, Energy, and the Climate?— Assessing the Potential Impacts of Climate Change Education on Energy Literacy and Energy Consumption in the Light of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive and the Austrian Energy Efficiency Act

The Austrian Education Energy Initiative ETSIT has been established as a response to the EU Efficiency Directive and Act. This paper investigates energy literacy of its young participants, i.e., 6000 primary secondary school students altogether, on cognitive, affective behavioural level, it compares putative energy-saving effectiveness workshops that conventional audits.For current analysis, data from, 640 who validly answered an online survey shortly after participating in one education workshops, 353 approximately year having participated (overall n = 993) were analysed. results indicate raises students’ level with about three-quarters participants claiming they will positively change their consumption behaviour future result workshop participation. is true participation also at 1-year follow-up. In second impact perspective, this delivers innovative attempt look from cost-benefit analysis. A default formula for audits adopted quantify kilowatt hours (and thus emissions costs) saved through Despite limitations, surprising show such can compete audits, can, fact, help save money, resources, and, most important all, climate.