Change in Environmentally Conscious Behavior of Students in Junior High Schools with PV systems

Abstract

Increasing attention has been recently focused on sustainability assessment of products and technologies from environmental, social and economical aspects. However, few studies on social and psychological impacts of energy technologies have been made so far. This paper addresses social and psychological impacts of PV systems installed in junior high schools. Statistical analyses, based mainly on questionnaire surveys, indicated that students of schools with PV systems tend to increase their environmentally conscious behavior, compared to students of schools without PV systems. Moreover, it is found that environmentally sound behavior of students of schools with PV systems is induced by two factors: communication among students about energy and environmental problems and the awareness of being a student of an Eco-School. The analyses suggest that the existence of PV systems in schools may make students feel that their school is an Eco-School.