Ignitis Group is launching a Lithuania-first energy efficiency education programme

It has become increasingly important to consume energy responsibly to mitigate the negative impact on the nature and climate. Yet, the lack of relevant knowledge and skills to use energy efficiently can be noticed in the actions of younger generations, and this topic does not necessarily have a place in our education programmes. To change the situation, an international energy company Ignitis Group is presenting the first national energy efficiency education programme in Tauragė.

The intention behind the new education programme is to provide students with knowledge about the energy and how it’s produced, global issues and the impact of humans on the environment, and, in turn, developing a younger generation that is more aware and responsible.

“A more efficient energy consumption and rapid development of renewable capacities are amongst the most important tasks in order to overcome the challenges posed by the climate change. Their success will also depend on how we understand the climate issues caused by human activities, their solutions and every individual’s ability to contribute. Surveys indicate that it’s mostly young people who lack knowledge about energy, responsible consumption skills. The purpose of the energy efficiency education programme is to help fill in the gaps,” says Head of Group Sustainability Valentas Neviera.

The education programme is launching in Tauragė region, where the pilot project will be implemented over the current academic year. Tauragė region was chosen as the first stop not by accident. This region cares fiercely for a sustainable future and is on course in creating it.

“We have been focusing on projects promoting sustainability for many years now. That’s why Tauragė is one of the greenest municipalities in Lithuania. We are included in the list of 100 European cities that plan to become climate neutral by 2030. Our main goal is to adapt Tauragė to people’s needs as much as possible. That’s why we endeavour to develop a sustainable city. It’s very important to us that the younger generation has the same mindset. That’s why we see a great purpose in education,” says Tauragė mayor Dovydas Kaminskas.

All schools in Tauragė region with students in grades between 7 and 11 can participate in the pilot programme. Teachers will be provided with means to integrate the energy efficiency and green energy topics into the content of the subjects in an attractive manner: detailed lesson plans, interactive tasks, an ability to invite specialists to speak or events for students.

The teachers who participate in the programme will also be invited to accredited professional development courses, where they will broaden their knowledge on the topic of climate change, will get to know the energy sector even better and get acquainted with interactive teaching methods. The programme material is prepared in cooperation with education specialists and is adapted for the following subjects: geography, physics, economics, civil education, English, maths.

After the pilot project in Tauragė is complete, the energy efficiency programme will also be carried out in other Lithuanian cities. Find out more about the programme: https://energysmartstart.lt/svietimas-mokyklose