Protecting planet Earth in the world of work

Climate Protection and Sustainability

Name: ______________________________     Date: ______________

Task: Match the 15 vocabulary items in Column A with their correct definitions in Column B. Write the letter of the definition next to each word.

Column A — Vocabulary

1. sustainability    

2. renewable energy    

3. energy transition    

4. thermal insulation    

5. photovoltaic    

6. emissions    

7. energy efficiency    

8. electric mobility    

9. skilled crafts    

10. installation    

11. maintenance    

12. resource    

13. carbon footprint    

14. climate-friendly    

15. sustainable development    

 

Column B — Definitions

A. The process of fitting equipment or systems in a building or vehicle.

B. Gases or substances released into the atmosphere, especially by human activity.

C. Meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

D. Energy from sources that are naturally replenished, such as sunlight and wind.

E. The change from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources.

F. Reducing heat loss from a building using materials such as insulation.

G. Technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity.

H. Using less energy to provide the same service or achieve the same result.

I. Transport that uses electricity instead of petrol or diesel.

J. Practical professions requiring specialist skills, such as roofing, plumbing and electrical work.

K. Regular checking, servicing and repair of equipment to keep it working properly.

L. Something useful, such as water, energy or raw materials, that people can use.

M. The total greenhouse gas emissions associated with a person, product or activity.

N. Causing little harm to the climate or helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

O. Improving people's lives and the economy while protecting natural systems for the future.

Follow-up Discussion

1. Which three skilled crafts professions are particularly important for climate protection?

2. How can homeowners make their homes more energy-efficient?

3. Why is the energy transition important for sustainable development?

 

 

Identifying Sustainable Practices

Identify the sustainable practice described in each example

A. Carbon Offsetting

I. Remote Work

Q. Circular Economy

B. Green Commuting

J. Sustainable Materials

R. Awareness Campaigns

C. Recycling Programs

K. Environmental Laws

S. Green Policies

D. Reskilling

L. Automation for Efficiency

T. Volunteer Programs

E. Smart Grids

M. Green Certifications

U. Energy Efficiency

F. Community Involvement

N. Waste Reduction

V. Green Tech

G. Renewable Energy

O. Environmental Education

W. Sustainability Partnerships

H. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

P. Electric Vehicles

 

1. A company installs solar panels on the roof of its factory to generate electricity.

2. Workers are encouraged to cycle, take the bus or share a car when travelling to work.

3. A business places separate containers for paper, glass, plastic and metal throughout its workplace.

4. Employees attend courses to learn how to operate and maintain newly introduced low-carbon technologies.

5. A utility company uses digital systems to balance electricity supply and demand across the power network.

6. A company donates books and teaching materials about climate change to schools in its local area.

7. A manufacturer replaces virgin plastic with recycled wood and other environmentally friendly materials.

8. A business considers its effects on employees, society and the environment when making decisions.

9. Employees work from home several days a week, reducing the number of journeys to the office.

10. A company invests in a project that plants trees to compensate for some of its greenhouse gas emissions.

11. A factory uses sensors and automated machines to reduce material waste during production.

12. A construction company obtains official recognition that its building meets established environmental standards.

13. A restaurant stops providing disposable plastic cutlery and introduces reusable alternatives.

14. A company organises workshops explaining climate change, biodiversity and ways to conserve resources.

15. A delivery company replaces its petrol vans with battery-powered vehicles.

16. A furniture maker designs tables that can be repaired, refurbished and eventually recycled, not thrown away.

17. Posters and staff newsletters encourage employees to switch off unused equipment and save water.

18. A business follows legal requirements governing waste disposal, pollution and the protection of natural habitats.

19. Employees spend a day collecting litter from a nearby river and cleaning up a public park.

20. A factory replaces old lighting with LEDs and installs efficient heating systems to lower energy consumption.

21. Engineers develop biodegradable packaging breakking down under suitable conditions, reducing persistent plastic waste.

22. A company works with an environmental NGO and a local community group to protect a nearby wetland.

23.. A business establishes written rules for reducing emissions, saving water and purchasing responsibly.

Skilled craftspeople who are building the future

The energy transition, electric mobility and smart homes: millions of skilled craftspeople in Germany are working every day to shape a sustainable future.  

11.06.2024Kim BergKim Berg

Without the skilled trades, there would be no renewable energy, no thermal insulation and no mobility transition. Every day, around 3.1 million skilled craftspeople and 250,000 apprentices work to make Germany more sustainable and climate-friendly. According to the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH), 490,000 skilled crafts companies in around 30 specialist fields are working to implement the climate transition. 

Implementing the energy transition 

A particularly high number of new professions are to be found in the renewable energies sector. As specialists in servicing and repairing wind power plants, wind power engineers for example contribute directly to producing energy from renewable sources. They often work at high altitudes and need to have mechanical and electrotechnical knowledge. 

More and more private households and businesses are opting for solar power. Around 2.6 million photovoltaic plants were installed on roofs and properties in Germany in 2023, according to the Federal Statistical Office. Photovoltaic engineers plan the installation of plants - from their assembly and commissioning to the monitoring of their output. Anyone wanting to train as a photovoltaic engineer will need to have completed an apprenticeship in one of the skilled crafts, for example as an electrical engineer or roofer. 

Shaping the mobility transition 

Electric cars are essential when it comes to advancing the mobility transition. According to the Federal Statistical Office, 32.2 percent more electric cars were registered in Germany in 2022 than in the year before. Well trained experts are needed to manufacture and service them. Electronics engineers specialising in machines and drive technology build the engines, install and connect the drive systems and service the equipment. Vehicle mechatronics engineers are responsible for maintaining electric cars . They test the systems and carry out repairs. 

Connecting smart homes 

The heating system warms up your home even before you get back. Lamps go on automatically as soon as it gets dark. To set up a smart home, skilled craftspeople are needed. Electronic engineers specialising in building system integration are responsible for planning, integrating and connecting up smart home solutions. They install the necessary software and conduct system tests. To avoid any malfunctions, they carry out regular checks, repair defective systems and remedy any software errors. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://youtu.be/EuDnSqAo784?is=2lW2G5LrKYnu9sOc