Seoul: AI-assisted Simplified Energy Audit Workshops (Workshop 1 & 2)

Dates: 7 & 28 November 2025

Location: Seongmisan School, Seoul

The Asian Energy Studies Centre (AESC) of the Hong Kong Baptist University, Department of Geography, conducted two consecutive workshops at Seongmisan School as part of the Phase 3 development of the Smart Energy Community Research Programme. These sessions aimed to equip students with foundational skills to become “AI-assisted Junior Home Energy Auditors,” while deepening their understanding of the links between climate change, energy use, and household action.

Workshop 1 — Understanding Climate, Energy Use and the Basics of Energy Audit

In the first workshop, students were introduced to the science behind climate change and how everyday energy consumption contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Through storytelling, visual examples, and group discussion, they explored why reducing fossil fuel–based electricity use is essential for a sustainable future.

To build foundational energy literacy, the research team explained the concept of an energy audit — a systematic process similar to a doctor checking a patient’s health, but applied to buildings to diagnose energy waste and identify areas for improvement.

Students then participated in a series of interactive activities:

• Energy-themed mini games to visualise how energy is used and lost in homes

• Hands-on worksheets to practise conducting a simplified electricity-use assessment

• Introduction to energy-saving behaviours suitable for daily life

During the session, students also developed three core competencies essential for becoming junior energy auditors. They strengthened their digital skills through activities that introduced basic tools and visualisation methods. They expanded their energy audit knowledge by learning how to observe electricity use, identify inefficiencies, and think critically about energy-saving solutions. At the same time, they practised communication skills, discovering how to express their observations clearly and work collaboratively with peers during group tasks and discussions.

The workshop also introduced the five key stages of a simplified energy audit:

1. Auditing electricity use

2. Identifying areas for energy cost savings

3. Proposing solutions (Energy Management Opportunities Identification)

4. Estimating costs and returns (Cost–Benefit Analysis)

5. Prioritising solutions and compiling an audit report

Workshop 2 — Practising Tools, Strengthening Skills and Preparing for Real-world Audits

The second workshop built on students’ initial training by deepening their practical energy audit skills.

The session began with a showcase of outstanding worksheets from Workshop 1, highlighting students’ emerging potential as junior energy auditors. This was followed by an enhanced review of the five-step audit process, helping students better understand how each component supports systematic energy analysis.

Students then explored various real-world energy audit tools, including temperature measurement devices and wattage meters, learning how such tools are used to detect inefficiencies in buildings.

To strengthen spatial and community awareness, students also experienced a VR low-carbon community simulation, allowing them to visualise what an energy-efficient neighbourhood looks like.

The workshop concluded with guidance on:

• Conducting simplified energy audits in small groups

• Effective communication skills for delivering audit findings

• Crafting clear and practical energy-efficiency advice for household members

These preparations aim to support students as they conduct their winter-break home energy audit, putting their skills into practice in their own families and communities.