Education as a success factor in the push toward energy independence

Ruedi Sterzing, Thomas Grob, Max Gmür, Norbert Stieger

The project pursues the aim of rolling out sustainable energy education (SEE) in the public schools of Toggenburg. Children and young adults are to learn a conscious use of resources at all kindergarten and school levels.

The Toggenburg Energy Valley – 12 municipalities from Wildhaus-Alt St. Johann to Kirchberg, 46,000 inhabitants – intends to produce all energy consumed in the valley from local renewable sources by 2034 and implement the 2000- watt society by 2050. Since 2009, the development association Energietal Toggenburg has been dedicated to education, raising awareness and project promotion for an energy supply low in CO2. The SEE project is a key step the direction toward energy independence.

The decision of the jury
The jury praises the planned anchoring at all levels of public schooling and emphasizes the successful embedding of the SEE project in the overarching work of the Energietal Toggenburg. By honoring the project, the jury hopes it will act as a model for other regions.