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Thermography and Lighting Systems Methodology to Promote Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Awareness

Author

Listed:
  • Estefanía García-Peralo

    (Doctoral Program Geotechnologies Applied to Construction, Energy and Industry, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain)

  • Manuel Rodríguez-Martín

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universidad de Salamanca, 49029 Zamora, Spain)

  • Pablo Rodríguez-Gonzálvez

    (Department of Mining Technology, Topography and Structures, Universidad de León, 24401 Ponferrada, Spain
    DRACONES Research Group, Universidad de León, 24401 Ponferrada, Spain)

Abstract

This work presents a system that integrates infrared thermography with two specially designed devices to enhance learning and promote sustainability awareness among 14-year-old secondary school students in Spain. An experimental and a control group were included in an experimental research design. While the control group attended conventional problem-solving classes, the experimental group participated in practical exercises utilizing thermographic cameras and two custom-built devices. Pretests and post-tests were administered to evaluate students’ theoretical and practical understanding of infrared radiation, physics, sustainability, and energy efficiency. A gender-based stratified analysis was conducted to investigate the possible impact of gender on learning outcomes and to obtain information for encouraging female participation in STEM professions to guarantee objective results. The results revealed statistically significant improvements in post-test scores compared to pretest results, demonstrating enhanced learning outcomes. The experimental group outperformed the control group, confirming the effectiveness of the innovative proposed methodology for learning complex scientific concepts. Additionally, students in the experimental group displayed high levels of curiosity, intrinsic motivation, and satisfaction, as observed through participant observation and a perception survey. While the survey indicated favorable responses regarding satisfaction, self-confidence, and learning, scalability received mixed opinions, potentially due to limited student familiarity with thermography’s broader applications. Overall, these findings underscore the potential of thermography as a powerful educational tool to improve scientific literacy and sustainability awareness. Future research should expand on this approach, exploring applications emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills while leveraging thermographic technology to promote interdisciplinary learning.

Suggested Citation

  • Estefanía García-Peralo & Manuel Rodríguez-Martín & Pablo Rodríguez-Gonzálvez, 2025. "Thermography and Lighting Systems Methodology to Promote Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Awareness," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:16:p:7196-:d:1720659
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ganesh Kumar Balakrishnan & Chong Tak Yaw & Siaw Paw Koh & Tarek Abedin & Avinash Ashwin Raj & Sieh Kiong Tiong & Chai Phing Chen, 2022. "A Review of Infrared Thermography for Condition-Based Monitoring in Electrical Energy: Applications and Recommendations," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-37, August.
    2. Alexandre Ornelas & António Cordeiro & José Miguel Lameiras, 2023. "Thermal Comfort Assessment in Urban Green Spaces: Contribution of Thermography to the Study of Thermal Variation between Tree Canopies and Air Temperature," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-18, August.
    3. Goldrath, T. & Ayalon, O. & Shechter, M., 2015. "A combined sustainability index for electricity efficiency measures," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 574-584.
    4. Maria Eduarda Ferreira & Ana Catarina André & Rui Pitarma, 2019. "Potentialities of Thermography in Ecocentric Education of Children: An Experience on Training of Future Primary Teachers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-22, May.
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