Conclusion and implications
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This research illustrates the importance of both formal and informal curricula in the development of students’ cognitive, affective and conative energy literacy. Although differences in energy literacy between disciplines were identified, knowledge about energy was certainly not limited to specific subjects, suggesting that scope exists for the further development of energy literacy within aspects of the formal curriculum. In addition, the informal and campus curriculum (including extra-curricular activities and social learning) emerged as important influences on students’ attitudes and behaviours. Taken together, these findings offer indicators for how HE institutions might enhance the energy literacy of their students, while the 4E model provides a useful framework for identifying and structuring future developments. Also important in this context are the potential lessons to be gained from studying an institution which has gone some way towards embedding sustainability across its curriculum and campus activities. Although the evidence from the study suggests that the value of the case study lies equally in understanding failures and successes, the sharing of experiences in this way may provide lessons for universities at different stages in the broader effort to integrate sustainability concerns into HE.