The impact of curriculum-based learning on environmental literacy and energy consumption with implications for policy

Abstract

Policy related to energy efficiency programs implemented by utility companies should be informed by an understanding of building occupant behavior change. This case study utilized a longitudinal design and mixed methodology to assess the effect of curriculum-based experiential learning on elementary school students' environmental literacy and energy-saving behaviors. We found that the students significantly improved their environmental literacy. Normalizing kWh consumption for weather, we observed a decrease in energy consumption of more than 15% in student homes and more than 30% at the focal school.