Here is a ready-to-use decision-making exercise to help students develop green skills.

The brief:

Energy demand is rising globally, and how we use electricity and fuel affects the environment and contributes to climate change. Some areas, buildings, or industries use more energy than others, which can lead to inefficiencies and higher carbon emissions.

As an Energy Use Data Analyst, your job is to understand patterns of energy consumption, identify areas of waste, and help design strategies to reduce energy use and carbon footprints.

Your task:

1. Analyse energy use data from homes, schools, offices, or industries to see where energy demand is highest.
2. Compare energy patterns across different types of buildings.
3. Identify inefficiencies such as overuse of heating, lighting, or appliances, and high energy loss from poorly insulated buildings.
4. Design solutions to reduce energy consumption, which might include:
   • Recommending energy-efficient appliances and lighting
   • Suggesting insulation improvements or building retrofits to reduce heat loss
   • Proposing renewable energy options like solar panels or small wind turbines
   • Advising on behavioural changes to encourage less energy use, e.g. switching off unused devices or optimising heating schedules

Outcome:

By analysing the data and proposing solutions, you help reduce energy consumption, lower bills, and support cities, schools, and businesses in becoming more sustainable.