On a global scale, the residential sector is responsible for a significant part of consumed energy, of which the major part is dependent upon fossil fuels. A solution for the reduction of fossil fuel use is the application of residential microgeneration technologies. The present study examines the market acceptance factors of such systems in Greece, as well as how these factors change over time, based on real decisions made by consumers. In this context, two surveys applying a common questionnaire were performed in 2012 and 2019 in order to examine the effects of (a) socioeconomic, residence, and spatial characteristics, (b) environmental awareness and behavior, and (c) factors related to consumer behavior, attitudes, and system attribute preferences. Factors affecting the installation of a microgeneration system are gender, age, income, residence type, ownership and size, environmental behavior, use of a subsidy program, as well as views on costs and market-related issues. When evaluating the effect of these factors over time, socioeconomic and residence characteristics, as well as environmental behavior, seem to have a fixed effect to the installation of residential microgeneration systems, with market acceptance fluctuations being related mainly to market conditions, including existing subsidy programs, expectations on fuel prices, and legislation.

The Greek policy targeting residential energy efficiency has launched the “Residential Energy Saving” financial incentives program to assist in achieving the goals related to reducing energy use and GHG emissions. Considering the research gaps of previous work, the present study examines the sociodemographic, dwelling, and geographical characteristics, and the environmental awareness and behavior that affect individuals’ (a) actual decision to perform an energy-saving renovation of their dwelling; this has been previously examined, but not in the Greek context, (b) awareness of the incentives program; this has not been addressed in previous research, and (c) utilization of the program; this has not been addressed in previous research. Accordingly, we performed a questionnaire-based survey in Greece in 2019 (n = 451). Based on the development of three binary logistic regression models, it is indicated that the decision to perform an energy-saving renovation is affected by ownership status, year of construction, income, and environmental behavior; awareness is affected by education level, environmental awareness, and residence location; use of the incentives program is affected by residence ownership and year of construction, presence of senior citizens and education level. The study’s results, indicating the determinants of energy-saving renovation decisions and awareness and utilization of financial incentives programs, can assist policymakers in planning financial incentives adapted to different characteristics, thus achieving improved awareness and utilization of such tools.

This study provides an overview of the new Greek legislative framework and highlights its progressive nature in tackling one of the most populous stray animal populations in the world. We present the newly established law and discuss its provisions, aims, and challenges. We also examine the reception of the law by key stakeholders such as veterinary practitioners, animal welfare organisations, and the Hellenic Kennel Club. With the post-implementation review scheduled for 2026, its evaluation has yet to be conducted.

Purpose – The primary aim of this quantitative survey research is to explore the connection between environmental education, participation in environ-mental programs or actions, and the enhancement of pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors in individuals. In light of global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation, under-standing how education and active engagement can promote sustainability is increasingly crucial. This study aims to determine whether exposure to environmental education and participation in environmental actions can influence individuals’ environmental consciousness and encourage more sustainable practices. Design/Methodology/Approach – The study sample consisted of 2,687 Greek consumers, aged 18 to 29 years. This age group was specifically chosen to capture insights from young adults, who are key to future sustainability efforts. The Mann-Whitney non-parametric test was used to analyze potential differences in environmental awareness among participants who had received environmental education and those who had participated in environmental programs. The survey gathered responses related to specific actions, dailyhabits, and individual choices to assess the level of environmental consciousness among the participants. The research method focused on determining how environmental education and participation in programs impacted behaviors related to sustainability.Findings – The findings of this survey indicate that individuals who received environmental education in school are more likely to consider the environmental consequences of their purchasing decisions. Furthermore, those who have participated in environmental programs or actions were more inclined to adopt pro-environmental behaviors, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and opting for sustainable products. Additionally, the analysis revealed that participants aged 26–29 demonstrated higher environmentalconsciousness than their younger counterparts aged 18–21, suggesting that environmental awareness increases with age and experience. Originality – This study contributes to the body of research on environmental education and sustainability by highlighting the significant role that both education and active participation in environmental initiatives play in fostering environmental awareness. It emphasizes the importance of these factors in encouraging sustainable behaviors and helping create a more sustainable andeco-conscious society. Design/Methodology/Approach – The sample involved 2,687 Greek consumers aged 18 to 29 years. The non-parametric Mann–Whitney test was used to explore possible differences in the environmental consciousness of the research participants in relation to whether they have been taught environmental education at school and/or they have participated in an environmental program or action in the past. The survey participants were asked to respond regarding the frequency of specific actions and daily habits, which frame their environmental consciousness and awareness. The questionnaire included behaviors such as recycling, reducing water and energy use, and choosing eco-friendly products. A multiple linear regression analysis was also conducted to assess the effect of age and other factors on environmental attitudes and actions. Findings – The results of this survey showed that the people who have been taught about environmental education at school are more likely to consider the environmental impact of the products they buy, while those who have participated in environmental programs or actions adopt more consistent pro-environmental behaviors. These include limiting single-use plastics and supporting sustainability-related initiatives. Furthermore, through the multiple linear regression analysis, it was found that the participants aged 26–29 have an increased environmental consciousness compared to the participants aged 18–21, possibly due to increased maturity, life experience, and exposure to sustainability-related information. Originality – This survey adds to the existing literature on environmental education and sustainability by highlighting the importance of environmental education and participation in environmental programs or actions towards increasing environmental consciousness and awareness and building a sustainable society. It underscores the necessity of incorporating structured environmental education within formal curricula and promoting active participation through community-based programs.

The aim of this study was to investigate the current organizational climate of Public Vocational Education and Training Initiatives at ELGO-DIMITRA in Greece. It utilized a SWOT analysis to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the Institute’s programs. The findings indicate a need to ensure the quality of Vocational Education and Training Initiatives and enhance the educational services provided to young farmers by adopting a regularly updated framework. This study is crucial for future research, and it is important to replicate it with different focus groups, including trainers, trainees, and graduates, who can provide valuable insight into the sustainability of the Vocational Education and Training Initiatives.

Scientific evidence underscores the need to adopt a circular economy model in the construction sector to mitigate climate change, with awareness being a crucial enabler. Socioeconomic factors influencing the adoption of circular economy practices represent a significant but underexplored area of research. In this aspect, this study examines citizens’ perceptions of the circular economy and climate change, as well as investigates the socioeconomic factors affecting citizens’ awareness through a quantitative survey conducted in nine European countries (Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and the UK). The survey, focusing on citizens’ awareness and behaviour towards the circular economy in the construction sector, was carried out in December 2023, involving approximately 500 participants per country (4,512 in total). Descriptive statistics were used to reveal citizens’ perceptions, while regression models were used to identify the factors influencing citizens’ awareness. The analysis showed that citizens are highly aware of climate change mitigation, and not relatively aware of the circular economy. Regression models revealed that citizens’ awareness depends on factors such as age, education level, relevant work experience, and environmental concerns. This research aims to contribute to understanding citizens’ perceptions to develop targeted strategies that will lead to a more sustainable built environment.