A systemic framework of energy efficiency in schools: experiences from six European countries

Dmitry Brychkov; Gary Goggins; Edelle Doherty; Natalia Romero; Nadine Roudil; Antonella Di Trani; Abhigyan Singh; Sander Smit; Eilish McLoughlin; Raquel de Castro Rodrigues Lima; Suzan Marie Günbay; Branca Arthur Delmonte; Achim Hill; Christine Domegan; Eoghan Clifford

doi:10.1007/s12053-023-10099-4

A systemic framework of energy efficiency in schools: experiences from six European countries

Energy Effic. 2023;16(4):21. doi: 10.1007/s12053-023-10099-4. Epub 2023 Mar 16.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, H91 CF50 Ireland.
² School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, H91 TK33 Ireland.
³ School of Engineering, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, H91 TK33 Ireland.
⁴ Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands.
⁵ Sociology, UMR CNRS, LAVUE, National School of Architecture of Paris-Val de Seine, 3-5 Quai Panhard Et Levassor, 75013 Paris, France.
⁶ Anthropology, UMR CNRS, LAVUE, National School of Architecture of Paris-Val de Seine, 3-5 Quai Panhard Et Levassor, 75013 Paris, France.
⁷ R2M Solution, 66 Fenwick Close, Woking, GU21 3BZ UK.
⁸ School of Physical Sciences and Centre for the Advancement of STEM Teaching and Learning, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, D09 W6Y4 Ireland.
⁹ School of Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, H91 TK33 Ireland.
¹⁰ Department of Engineering, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6, Rue Richard Coudenhove-Kalergi, L-1359 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
¹¹ Fachbereich Bauen+LebenFachrichtung Bauingenieurwesen, Trier University of Applied Sciences, 54293 Schneidershof, Trier, Germany.

^# Contributed equally.

Abstract

Schools are complex physical and social institutions within national education systems. They account for significant energy consumption and like other buildings can demonstrate inefficient patterns of energy use. Poor energy performance of educational facilities is an intricate issue driven by complex causality of interconnected and dynamic factors. Addressing this issue requires a systemic approach, which is heretofore lacking. The aim of this research is to present and describe a systemic framework to facilitate energy reduction in schools across different European contexts. This transdisciplinary approach to sustainable energy use has been piloted in 13 post-primary schools located in six countries in northwest Europe. The research implements a series of planned activities and interventions, which help to unveil a systemic approach to improving energy efficiency in schools. The findings demonstrate how this approach, together with its ensuing methodologies and strategies, can contribute to reducing carbon emissions and improve knowledge and awareness around sustainable energy.

Keywords: Collaboration; Digital transformation; Energy efficiency; Energy literacy; School; Systemic approach.