Efficacy, Agency and Behavioural Change: Evaluation of a Local/Global Sustainability Education Program

Abstract

As world population increases, and as more and more individuals make increasing demands on the earth’s
resources, the mandate for effective Sustainability Education (SE) becomes more urgent. This paper
describes a longitudinal evaluation of a project currently being undertaken in government primary and
secondary schools in New South Wales, Australia, funded by the NSW Department of Education and
Communities (DEC). The Climate Clever Energy Savers (CCES) Project is designed to raise awareness
among school students about ways of reducing electricity consumption at their schools. Students are
invited to tender for funds of up to $2000.00 to support a program (such as an education campaign, or
building or appliance modification) to reduce electricity consumption. The overarching research question
concerns the extent to which and ways in which the program has achieved the desired behaviour changes
and educational outcomes. We have found the project to be highly effective, but also suggest some
modifications to further enhance its effectiveness.