Community leads on energy and climate change education

Energymark brings families, friends and workmates together to discuss energy and climate change issues in the community, and what we can do to make a difference.

Through kitchen table discussions, households learn how to:

• reduce their carbon footprint and save power at home
• become better informed on energy, climate change, water and waste issues
• engage in local discussions on these issues
• reduce their impact on our environment.

During 2011-2012 volunteer convenors led discussions on energy, climate change, water and waste with small groups in their communities and workplaces.

Recruitment of NSW Energymark convenors took place between 16 November 2010 and 31 March 2011.

Over 110 convenors volunteered and around 570 people from across NSW participated in the kitchen table discussions.

The results:

• Energymark participants reduced their energy consumption by around 12.3 per cent and decreased their carbon footprint by around 10.9 per cent.
• 1256 tonnes of carbon emissions were saved.
• Households reduced their electricity bill by around $150 per annum.

NSW Energymark Program - Outcomes

Learn more about:

• Energymark Program.
• Outcomes from NSW Energymark.
• The participants.
• Results and savings achieved:- carbon footprint and electricity.
• Energy efficiency attitudes and behaviours.

Resources:

• Download NSW Energymark Program Outcomes (PDF, 945Kb)

NSW Energymark was a CSIRO initiative in partnership with the Office of Environment and Heritage helping households lower power bills and reduce our impact on the environment.

Local education to increase people's knowledge and awareness of the link between electricity use and carbon pollution is important.

In this Program, one person signs up as a convenor and then gathers a small group of participants – family, friends, neighbours or workmates – to start a conversation using the supplied information on energy, climate change, water and waste. Kitchen table conversations are a proven education method to engage people in complex issues.

A successful 12-month trial of Energymark in Newcastle saw participants cut power by 37 per cent and their carbon footprint by 27 per cent.

In 2011-2012 NSW Energymark participants reduced their energy consumption by 12.3 per cent and decreased their carbon footprint by 10.9 per cent.

Learn more about the history, results and achievements of this grassroots program by reading the final program report.

To volunteer or for more information about NSW Energymark:

• Visit energymark.com.au
• Email energymark@csiro.au
• Call 1300 119 003