Energy literacy among young adults in the European countries

Energy literacy is an essential prerequisite for informed and sustainable energy consumption habits. Our paper focuses on factors influencing young adults’ attitudes and behaviours and their knowledge of sustainable energy consumption practices. The research was conducted in five European countries, Austria, Croatia, Greece, Slovenia and Poland, and data were collected from 219 young adults between the ages of twenty-nine and thirty-nine. The methods used are statistical analyses, including principal component analysis, a technique for analysing large data sets and identifying influencing factors. We used a statistical software package (SPSS) for the analyses. Our analysis revealed five significant factors influencing the energy literacy of young adults. The key factors were education and awareness, investment in energy efficiency, age and gender, climate change and environmental protection, sustainable lifestyle and social environment. Policymakers, educators and other stakeholders can work towards creating a more energy-literate and sustainable society by understanding the key factors that influence energy literacy.