Eco-labeling Greek Schools for Energy Efficiency over IPv6

Abstract

Reducing CO2 emissions in order to address climate change is a difficult challenge but it may also become an opportunity for improving citizens' behaviour towards the protection of the physical environment. Furthermore, as buildings are responsible for a significant portion of total energy consumption and emissions, improving their energy performance is clearly a key factor for accomplishing the EC climate and energy objectives. In this context, the Greek pilot in GEN6, a European Commission funded project, aims to influence the behaviour of the local school communities by raising their energy awareness. As discussed herein, the pilot will provide real-time energy efficiency services over IPv6-enabled grids to the local educational community, providing students with information on their consumption patterns and raising awareness among them on the energy savings that behavioural changes may bring. Consequently, the pilot aims to reduce the participating school buildings' carbon footprint by at least 10% and prove that IPv6 may become an enabling technology for new advanced services. Currently, the installation of IPv6-enabled energy smart meters is in progress at 50+ schools for monitoring energy consumption but also for becoming an educational and social engagement tool for students. The GEN6 pilot, also aligned with the Greek School Network energy innovative programme, is further reinforced by hands-on workshops aiming at engaging students on issues of sustainability and empowering them to make further behavioural energy-saving changes. Results from the competition among the participating school communities are disseminated to the public through various means, such as a web portal, a blog, and social networks, which record the energy efficiency of participating schools and the effect of the actions taken.