Youth-Centered Approach to Sustainable Energy Management
- UM Research
- 10 hours ago
- 5 min read
"Even small actions can lead to big impacts."
These words reflect the core philosophy of Dr. Adi Ainurzaman Jamaludin’s groundbreaking research on sustainable energy management. As a scholar with decades of academic and research experience, Dr. Adi has dedicated his career to tackling environmental and energy challenges.
From his early days as an environmental management student to completing his PhD in energy management at Universiti Malaya’s Faculty of Built Environment, his journey has been one of perseverance, curiosity, and commitment to sustainability.
Today, Dr Adi is at the forefront of sustainable energy research, focusing on the youth’s knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding energy conservation towards the development of energy saving culture. His study addresses the global challenge of energy wastage while empowering the younger generation to lead the charge toward a more sustainable future.
Sustainable energy management is, at its essence, about responsible energy use that ensures the well-being of current and future generations. Dr. Adi explains, “It is the practice of using energy in efficient and environmentally friendly ways, ensuring that resources are conserved and utilised judiciously.” His research delves into three fundamental areas: energy conservation, efficiency, and renewable energy sources.
The idea of sustainability goes beyond merely reducing energy consumption; it emphasises creating systems that benefit both people and the planet. Dr. Adi aligns his work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). His research underscores the importance of integrating sustainability into everyday actions by contributing to these goals.
When asked why he chose to focus on youth, Dr. Adi's response was clear: “The youth are our future scholars, leaders, and decision-makers. They hold the potential to transform how energy is consumed and conserved.”
His research highlights how the attitudes and practices of young people can create a ripple effect, influencing entire communities. Dr Adi believes focusing on the youth is crucial because they are more adaptable to change and more receptive to adopting sustainable practices. With technology advancing rapidly, younger generations have access to unprecedented amounts of information, making them better equipped to understand the importance of sustainability. However, this potential must be harnessed through targeted education and awareness programs that resonate with their perspectives.
Dr. Adi’s research addresses a significant gap in sustainable energy management: the failure to consider local contexts in policy and program development. He observes that many initiatives in Malaysia adopt strategies from other countries without adapting them to local needs, often leading to suboptimal outcomes.
His study collects and analyses data on Malaysian youth's knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) to develop programs tailored to their specific cultural and social contexts using the Energy Triangle Approach to which examines building design, service design, and occupant behaviour.
Dr. Adi’s research provides a holistic framework for understanding energy management. Technological solutions like energy-efficient buildings are effective but often expensive and require significant maintenance. In contrast, changing occupant behaviour is cost-effective and has long-term benefits.
Like any innovative research, Dr. Adi’s work is not without challenges. Designing effective questionnaires that accurately capture the complexities of human behaviour is difficult. Additionally, ensuring adequate participation and representation in surveys requires collaboration with various stakeholders, such as residential coalitions and academic institutions.
To overcome these obstacles, Dr. Adi emphasises the importance of teamwork and collaboration. “We cannot work in silos. Addressing complex issues like sustainable energy management requires diverse expertise and perspectives,” he states. He has navigated these challenges by working closely with his research group and consulting statistics and survey design experts.
One of the primary outcomes of Dr Adi’s research is a better understanding of how demographic factors influence energy conservation behaviours. His findings reveal that knowledge, while important, is not the sole determinant of sustainable practices. Various factors, including cultural and educational backgrounds, attitudes and behaviours. For example, students in science disciplines may have different perspectives on energy conservation than those in social sciences. This nuanced understanding is vital for creating targeted energy conservation programs. Dr. Adi’s work demonstrates that a one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective. Instead, programs must be tailored to address different groups' specific needs and behaviours.
Dr. Adi has ambitious plans for the future of his research. He aims to expand his studies to include students from a broader range of universities and develop strategies to enhance awareness and sustainable practices. His ultimate goal is to see his findings translated into policies and programs that have a tangible impact on energy consumption at both the national and community levels.
In addition to academic research, Dr. Adi is committed to engaging with stakeholders across various sectors. He hopes to raise awareness and inspire action among policymakers, industry leaders, and the general public by publishing his findings in high-impact journals and presenting them at international conferences.
Dr. Adi is passionate about educating young people on the importance of sustainable energy management. He advises them to take simple, impactful steps, such as unplugging unused devices, embracing natural light and ventilation, and making conscious financial and environmental decisions.
“Small actions can lead to significant changes,” he reminds us.
Sustainable energy management is more than an environmental imperative; it is a social and economic necessity. “We only have one planet,” Dr. Adi emphasises. “We owe it to future generations to use our resources wisely and responsibly.” His research is a testament to the power of informed action and the potential of youth-led transformation. Dr Adi is paving the way for a sustainable future by combining rigorous academic inquiry with practical solutions. He aptly says, “Even small efforts can make a big difference.” This study serves as both a call to action and a source of hope, reminding us that sustainability begins with our choices today.
#SustainableEnergy #YouthForChange #EnergyConservation #GreenFuture #Sustainability #CleanEnergy #EnergyEfficiency #ClimateAction #EcoFriendly #SustainableLiving #RenewableEnergy #SDGs #EmpowerYouth #GreenLeadership #SustainableChoices
Researcher featured:
Dr Adi Ainurzaman Bin Jamaludin
Institute of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya
For inquiries, please contact:
T: 03-79676705
Author:
Puungkodi Paramasivam
Puungkodi Paramasivam is a fast-track PhD candidate at the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, Universiti Malaya, who finds solace and purpose in writing amidst the challenges of academic research. This is one of her many contributions to the UM Research Bulletin, a platform she values for showcasing groundbreaking work while allowing her to channel her creativity. Writing, she says, serves as a positive distraction from the demands of her PhD journey, enabling her to engage meaningfully with diverse fields of study. Proud to be an author under the UM Research Bulletin, Puungkodi continues to highlight innovative research and inspire others with her thoughtful narratives.
Copyedit:
Siti Farhana Bajunid Shakeeb Arsalaan Bajunid, Assistant Registrar, UM
Pictures:
Graphical Abstract for research - Awareness on energy conservation: A Case Study of First-Year Undergraduate Students in Malaysia as published in International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education
MOU Signing Ceremony for Academic – Industrial Collaboration between Universiti Malaya and Gamuda Land Sdn. Bhd. in 2022 at Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands.
(From the left: Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Zul Ilham Zulkiflee Lubes, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Wan Abd Al-Qadr Imad Wan Mohtar, and Dr Adi- the researcher).
Site Visit and Water Sampling Activity at Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands at Gamuda Cove. (From the left: Dr Adi, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Zul Ilham Zulkiflee Lubes, and Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Wan Abd Al-Qadr Imad Wan Mohtar)
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