As we celebrate Earth Day, it’s essential to recognize that sustainability isn’t just about the actions we take today. It’s also about the knowledge, tools and inspiration we instill in tomorrow’s leaders. The challenges facing our world, from increasing energy demand and aging infrastructure to water scarcity and climate disruption, require innovative solutions and a generation of empowered individuals ready to tackle them head on. 

At Itron, we believe that investing in education is one of the most powerful ways to create a more resourceful world. Education helps people of all ages understand the deeply interconnected relationship between energy, water and sustainability, and how our everyday actions can drive meaningful change. We proudly support signature and mission-aligned education programs that aim to improve energy-water literacy, promote conservation and inspire future generations toward purpose-driven career paths in our industry. Here are a few examples. 

Education Meets Impact 

Power Over Energy, a public education initiative supported by Itron and other leading organizations, is celebrating Earth Day and its 12th anniversary with the launch of a new website, new interactive educational content and continued growth around the world.  Through engaging, fact-based digital content, the program helps individuals understand how energy is generated, distributed and consumed, and how smarter energy use supports both environmental and economic health. The more we empower people with this knowledge, the better prepared we are to make informed, sustainable decisions. The initiative continues to grow through consumer-focused ad campaigns that highlight Itron solutions, along with curated content across Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, LinkedIn and our website, reaching more than 276 million people to date across all channels.   

Similarly, Thirst for Power, a film and education campaign based on the work of Dr. Michael Webber, emphasizes the critical connection between energy and water and sheds light on how our reliance on one resource can create vulnerabilities in the other. By exploring global examples of energy-water challenges and opportunities, the program sparks curiosity and inspires students, educators and citizens to think more holistically about sustainability.  

Resourcefulness: An Introduction to the Energy-Water Nexus is another educational initiative designed to help us all become more resourceful in how we use energy and water. The program aims to raise awareness of the impact of current consumption patterns, highlight the benefits of energy efficiency, explain the interdependence of energy and water systems and underscore the importance of modernizing the electric grid and deploying smart technologies. By fostering a deeper understanding of how these topics intersect, Resourcefulness empowers individuals and communities to make informed, sustainable choices that benefit both the environment and future generations. 

These initiatives serve as a powerful reminder of the vital role education plays in shaping a more sustainable future. When we equip future leaders with the tools and insight to think critically, innovate boldly and act responsibly, we empower them to solve the world’s greatest challenges and create a more resourceful world. 

Curious to see how Itron employees are championing sustainability in their everyday lives? Check out our Earth Day video for practical tips and inspiration. Happy Earth Day!