Focus groups
As part of the EL-Practice project, focus group meetings were organised across European countries to obtain insights into energy literacy among young adults. These sessions provided valuable perspectives from diverse cultural backgrounds.
The focus group organised by PNEC in Poland aimed to validate project activities and assess preliminary analyses. Participants aged 29 to 39 emphasized the need for tailored initiatives to address their energy literacy needs and aspirations.
In Austria, an online focus group hosted by LEVILO engaged young adults in discussions about energy literacy and sustainability. Participants shared enthusiastic views, underlining the importance of integrating their insights into educational resources like the EL-Practice e-course.
In Croatia, organized by REGEA, participants expressed a desire for greater awareness of sustainable energy practices, acknowledging the importance of environmental preservation alongside financial considerations.
Similarly, in Slovenia, a focus group highlighted participants' nuanced understanding of energy conservation. While younger participants may not yet feel the full impact of energy-related challenges, there was a consensus on the importance of continuous efforts to maximise energy efficiency and minimise environmental impact.
Overall, these focus group discussions underscore the critical role of energy literacy in shaping sustainable behaviours among young adults across Europe. By incorporating their insights, initiatives like the EL-Practice project are poised to empower a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens, driving positive change towards a more sustainable future.
National workshops
Environmental education, particularly among adults, is pivotal for fostering sustainability. Workshops held in various locations, starting with Cracow, Poland, addressed the energy literacy needs of young adults aged 29-39, facilitating discussions among city representatives, eco-advisors, and climate protection organisations. The sessions focused on sustainable energy use, presenting survey findings highlighting gaps in energy knowledge among young adults. These workshops laid the groundwork for the EL-Practice project, aiming to develop an interactive e-course tailored to the needs of young adults, promoting positive energy habits.
In Graz, Austria, the national workshop featured hybrid participation. Discussions covered project objectives, preliminary research findings, and session content examples. Participants engaged in a World Café format to offer insights on course topics, favouring a less technical approach emphasising responsible energy use.
REGEA organised a national workshop in Osijek, Croatia, gathering young adults from diverse sectors to provide feedback on the Energy Literacy e-course. Structured group sessions facilitated robust discussions, enriching the course content and ensuring its relevance to real-world challenges.
In Greece, a national workshop at the University of Thessaly engaged postgraduate and undergraduate students in providing feedback on energy literacy modules. Participants highlighted significant gaps in energy literacy among young adults, emphasising the need for educational materials to address these gaps.
KSSENA's national workshop in Slovenia involved young adults aged 29-39, eliciting feedback on an interactive e-course. Participants underscored the practical relevance of energy literacy topics, providing valuable insights for refining the learning program to meet practical needs.
These workshops underscored the importance of tailored educational initiatives in enhancing energy literacy among young adults, fostering informed decision-making and sustainable lifestyles.
A short-term staff training (C1)
In June 2023, project partners convened in Graz, Austria, for a short-term staff training (C1). This gathering provided a dynamic platform for partners from Poland, Slovenia, Croatia, and Greece to enhance their skills and collaborate on e-course creation. Participants delved into energy literacy topics, exchanged expertise, and laid the groundwork for micro-training development. Amidst productive sessions, cultural events such as city tours and shared dinners enriched the experience, fostering collaboration and personal growth.
A short-term adult training (C2)
Subsequently, in October, 2023, a short-term adult training was hosted in Zagreb, Croatia (C2) by REGEA. Representatives from partner organisations, alongside young adults from Austria, Croatia, Greece, Poland, and Slovenia, convened to further their knowledge on energy literacy and sustainable development. The training featured interactive sessions, discussions, and practical testing of the e-course under development. Presentations on topics like solar power investments and citizen empowerment in renewable energy sources broadened participants' understanding. Cultural excursions, including visits to the Nikola Tesla Museum and shared dinners, provided enriching experiences.
These training sessions not only equipped participants with new skills and knowledge but also fostered collaboration and inspired action towards a safe and sustainable future. Through shared experiences and collective learning, partners are poised to create impactful initiatives that promote energy literacy and drive positive behavioural change among young adults.
Final conference
The international conference on developing energy literacy among young adults, held on March 21, 2024, marked the culmination of the EL-Practice project. Organised within the project's framework, the event explored the crucial role of adult education in fostering sustainability. Participants engaged with expert presentations, panel discussions, and were introduced to an online course on energy literacy and related topics.