Discussions on practice and effect of transforming idle spaces with energy-resource techniques in Taiwanese schools—Using elementary/secondary schools as an example

•The implementation of this plan successfully assisted public elementary and secondary schools to transform idle space in the school into energy-resource educational centres.•Energy-resource education's implications become easier to promote, through incorporation into normal courses, holding of relevant learning activities, educational visits, workshops and experience camps etc.•The young commentator model is a good learning chance for children, and also allows energy-resource education to be more diversified.•Community residents and technical support teams formed effective links with the energy-resource education network.

This research is to assist the ministry of education in promoting the transformation of idle spaces in Taiwanese schools into “Energy-resource education centres”. This project uses expert consultant teams to assist the school in redesigning of its idle spaces to incorporate the goals of sustainable energy-resource education. Through renovation of construction of displayable educational equipment, the project aims to enliven these spaces into educational display areas. This fits with special energy-resource classes and creative educational activities to build a low carbon school ground and advance the cause of sustainable development.