This brochure was published by the European Commission's Energy and Transport DG in early 2006 and is being distributed widely throughout Europe.

Download the brochure (~1Mb PDF): Cestina | Dansk | Deutsch | Ellinika English | Español | Eesti keel Suomi | Français | Magyar Italiano | Lietuviu kalba | Latviesu valoda Nederlands | Português | Polski Slovencina | Slovenscina | Svenska Foreword by Commissioner Piebalgs Case Studies

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Foreword by Commissioner Piebalgs - Learning to Use Energy Better

Europeans face many challenges in the coming decades. Our children, and their children, will have to live with the effects of climate change. At the same time, Europe will need to import ever increasing amounts of energy as fossil fuel reserves diminish fast and prices grow higher than ever.

Many people feel they cannot respond to these challenges. They believe that there is nothing they can do, as individuals, which will change things. But everyone can do something, and collectively make a real difference: be more efficient in our own energy use.

Reducing the amount of energy we use by choosing energy-efficient appliances and services that reduce energy use, and ensuring we do not waste energy can make a big difference. I believe that it is possible for Europe to cut its energy use by 20 % in real terms by 2020 without compromising on performance, through changes in consumer behaviour and by investing in more efficient energy technologies - effectively doing more with less.

This makes sense both for society as a whole and for businesses, individuals and families. Less energy use means lower energy bills. But I am not advocating voluntary 'energy rationing' - people simply need to think about their energy use. Turn off the television - don't leave it on standby. Use energy-saving light bulbs. Insulate your roof. When buying a new car choose a fuel-efficient and less polluting model and keep your car tyres at the correct pressure. And walk, cycle or use public transport whenever it makes sense.

You might ask why we should involve children when these actions are the responsibilities of us adults, but educational initiatives are a vital part of raising awareness on this issue. As a former teacher, headmaster and Education Minister in Latvia, I know the impact that such initiatives can have on young people - and also the influence which inspired children can have on their families and the adult population in general.

This brochure outlines the energy challenge, emphasises the role of education as a vector in changing behaviour, and shows how some young people have already made an impact. Case studies from across our continent show what is possible and I hope will inspire many new projects.

Improved energy efficiency is one of my priorities. But Europe can only achieve this goal if it becomes everyone's priority. I am sure that - together with our children - we can make a difference.

Andris Piebalgs
European Commissioner for Energy

Case Studies

To find more information on the case studies mentioned in the brochure click on the links below:

• Sun in Rathenow schools
• Child power!
• RES education shines in Spain
• The Italian job
• The energy bus
• Motivation in County Meath
• Student savings
• Kids4Energy

Note: In September 2007, the Delft Energy Agency, a coordinator of one of the case studies listed in this publication, merged with its partner Energy Agency Zoetermeer to form EREA.