Creating the next generation of residential energy stewards using the energy transformation curriculum

Abstract

Youth are members of the current generation of energy consumers, and the future generation of energy stewards. These young people are also the next generation of housing consumers. As such, it is important that they know how energy is used in a home and develop an understanding about energy efficiency and conservation skills and strategies in order to reduce overall usage and improve energy efficiency in the home.

Keywords:

• energy education
• residential energy use
• energy stewards
• youth

Additional information

Funding

This project was sponsored by the Progress, Duke Energy, and the Piedmont Natural Gas Foundation.

Notes on contributors

Sarah D. Kirby

Sarah Kirby is an Associate Professor and Department Extension Leader in the Department of Youth, Family, and Community Sciences. She directs the Home Energy Management Consumer Energy Education program that teaches consumers to reduce home energy consumption through no- and low-cost energy efficiency measures, behavioral changes, and home retrofits.

Autumn G. Guin

Autumn Guin earned a M.S. in Community Psychology and has worked in the Department of Youth, Family, and Community Sciences at NC State University since 2006. She has 17 years of research experience and currently provides evaluation leadership for NC 4-H Curriculum Development and the Very Important Parents Program.

Amy G. Chilcote

Amy Chilcote holds a Master’ and BS Degree in Family Consumer Sciences focusing on K-12 education from East Carolina University. Amy currently serves as a 4-H Extension Associate with overall responsibility of 4-H curriculum development and curriculum professional development. She is an alumni of the Federal Education Policy Fellowship Program.