EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Stimulating environmental awareness in integration courses

Stimulating environmental awareness in integration courses

Introduction

'The environment in and around the home, that produces results' is a programme for participants in the integration programme in Gouda. The object of the pilot project is twofold. Teaching the Dutch language to settled immigrants and newcomers is combined with increasing awareness about sustainable household management.

Problem

How can an integration course encourage migrants to economise on energy?

Description

Language, arithmetic and societal-orientation are presented as part of the themes of electricity, gas, waste and water. Economy of use is not the only topic covered, but also the basic environmental regulations of the city in question. One could think of the separation of waste and the arrangements for large household waste. It is also important that the participants become more familiar with their own cities and, in so doing, are better able to cope.

Approach

Besides the knowledge on the themes, the students were happy with the many tips that were presented to save water, gas and electricity. A financial savings is good motivation for the students. They indicated that their environmental awareness had increased and that they had modified their behaviour on various fronts.

Results

The project was very successful.
All parties involved were enthusiastic about the project.
Instead of 12 students, 147 participated.
Students indicated that their environmental awareness has increased.
The participants have reduced their gas, electricity, waste and water consumption by at least 5%.
After the project, the participants were well informed about environmental regulations in their cities.
The social proficiency of participants in their own cities has increased.

Contact info

SME MilieuAdviseur (SME Environmental Consultants)
I. Tegels, tel. +31 30 6358900

Project start date

01/01/2004

Links

SME MilieuAdviseur (also available in English)

Evaluation environment in integration course saves money and energy (PDF, Dutch, 448KB)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Urban environment

Keywords

Environmental sustainability