We can’t imagine our lives without energy. It is constantly produced and used. Though we all intrinsically know what energy is, defining it might prove to be problematic for most of us. By the simplest definition it is the ability to do work. But how does that ability to do work translate into actual work done? How do we express and measure energy? How does energy literacy help us to become conscious consumers and helps us to reduce our electricity bills?
If you want to know the answers to those questions, you’re in the right place. With help of interactive, fun and easy to use micro sessions you will be equipped with knowledge to make informed decisions about the best use of energy. This will not only improve your budget, quality of living but also our environment and our future.
The first title of the lesson is introductory. It will guide you through what is it to know about energy literacy and how to achieve it. The second title is more practical. At start, we will revise basic energy terminology – that’s a good news if you liked physics in the high school but also a good news if you didn’t - you’ve got another chance to acquire or revise basic energy terms - but this time in a fun way and with an undemanding tempo. We’ll revise the meaning of common energy and power units such as Joule (J), Watt (W) and Kilowatt-hour (kWh). Next, we’re going to focus on common home appliances. You will learn how to calculate the monthly cost of using your home appliances with only 3 figures: 1) Cost of electricity (in EUR/kWh), 2) Energy consumption of an appliance (in W) and 3) The average number you use the appliance per day (in h).
All those figures are easily available so there’s nothing in the way of your empowerment. Did you know that making a tea three times a day everyday costs around 1,90 EUR per month? (This number is not set in stone; you will learn to calculate that information for the very kettle you own and based on the electricity cost in your country). Similarly, using desktop computer for four hours a day each day costs around 4,25 EUR per month. However, using an average tumble dryer 5 times a week could cost you around 23 EUR per month which comes to staggering 276 EUR per year. You can probably already see how gaining this knowledge could help you make more informed decisions and help you take back control over your finances.
Next title in the lesson is aiming to improve your managing of energy related finances. It specifically deals with measuring the share of energy products in personal basket of goods and budgeting. You will learn how to map out your spendings, how to track your personal energy inflation and how to best take advantage of off-peak electricity rates. We will also mentally go back to the previous title about common home appliances but we will upgrade it so you will gain more clarity on which appliances are worth purchasing from cost and related energy efficiency perspective.
In the last title of the topic one, we will look at energy efficiency and energy systems more holistically. It might not be as practically and immediately useful as the previous titles, but it is extremely important in terms of understanding energy system which is a precondition to making a positive change at a time in which the effects of poor energy management and pollution are felt with increasing intensity. The title is called “How much energy do we use, where does it come from and what are the consequences.” You will gain basic knowledge about energy systems (energy infrastructure, dispatchable/non-dispatchable energy, green energy and batteries) and about energy markets.
Since our micro sessions have limits but energy knowledge does not – there will be useful links included after each lesson which will help you expand your knowledge even further.