Even minor changes in behaviour can yield average energy savings of 10–25% in workplaces and households, which not only reduces energy costs but also plays a vital role in helping to protect the climate. The energie-führerschein^® (Energy Saving Licence) is an educational scheme that raises awareness of energy issues and teaches people how to save energy at work and in the home. It is designed as an add-on qualification for young people and adults in education or training and staff of companies and organisations. After all, energy literacy is an important life skill that equips people to face the challenges of the future.

Candidates can acquire the necessary practical know-how through self-study or by attending one of the preparatory seminars run by the environmental advice centre DIE UMWELTBERATUNG before sitting the energie-führerschein^® exam. Topics covered include:

• energy basics – terminology, energy sources and energy conversion
• energy consumption in the workplace, at home, and in leisure activities, travel and transport
• the environmental impact of energy consumption
• simple measures to help save energy and resources

As of autumn 2020, over 2,600 individuals have successfully passed the energie-führerschein^® exam. To help candidates prepare for the exam, free learning materials, the app #rettedeineinsel and a revision quiz are available at energie-fuehrerschein.at, along with further information about training grants and exam dates.

Energy coach training course

DIE UMWELTBERATUNG also offers a course to train people as energy coaches for the energie-führerschein®. Over 100 people have already completed the course, and now act as multipliers to promote energy literacy in educational institutions, companies and administrative bodies. For further information (German only) visit energie-fuehrerschein.at.

The energie-führerschein^® is a project by the Municipal Department for Environmental Protection (MA 22) in cooperation with DIE UMWELTBERATUNG and the Municipal Department for Energy Planning (MA 20). The energie-führerschein^® scheme contributes to the implementation of the Smart City Wien Framework Strategy, which aims to increase the share of renewables as well as significantly reducing overall energy consumption. Per capita energy consumption for heating, hot water and air-conditioning in buildings is to be reduced by 36% by 2050.