Applying the energy cultures framework to understand energy systems in the context of rural sustainability transformation
Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
Standard
In: Energy Policy, Vol. 137, 111092, 02.2020.
Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
Harvard
APA
Vancouver
Bibtex
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
T1 - Applying the energy cultures framework to understand energy systems in the context of rural sustainability transformation
AU - Klaniecki, Kathleen
AU - Duse, Ioana Alexandra
AU - Lutz, Lotte M.
AU - Leventon, Julia
AU - Abson, David J.
PY - 2020/2
Y1 - 2020/2
N2 - Addressing the threat of global climate change will require large-scale transformation of our energy systems. Scholars are increasingly calling for a more systemic approach to studying energy transitions—one that incorporates human dimensions such as behaviors, attitudes, perceptions, and preferences. Drawing on an exploratory representative study (n = 379 surveys) conducted in the Pogány-havas microregion of eastern Transylvania, Romania, we employ Stephenson et al.’s Energy Cultures Framework to describe and discuss the social and material energy system of the region. We highlight the interactions between norms, energy practices and material culture, as well as external influences that are shaping the energy system. We discuss attitudes towards energy conservation and acceptability of community renewable energy schemes. Based on our findings, we define the dominant energy culture of the region and highlight elements of the system that are either reinforcing the status quo or shaping a more sustainable energy culture. We discuss implications for increasing the efficiency of the energy system of this region and factors that could inform energy policies and sustainability interventions. We conclude by situating our research within a larger narrative of rural energy transitions and discuss the value of a systems approach when undertaking energy systems research.
AB - Addressing the threat of global climate change will require large-scale transformation of our energy systems. Scholars are increasingly calling for a more systemic approach to studying energy transitions—one that incorporates human dimensions such as behaviors, attitudes, perceptions, and preferences. Drawing on an exploratory representative study (n = 379 surveys) conducted in the Pogány-havas microregion of eastern Transylvania, Romania, we employ Stephenson et al.’s Energy Cultures Framework to describe and discuss the social and material energy system of the region. We highlight the interactions between norms, energy practices and material culture, as well as external influences that are shaping the energy system. We discuss attitudes towards energy conservation and acceptability of community renewable energy schemes. Based on our findings, we define the dominant energy culture of the region and highlight elements of the system that are either reinforcing the status quo or shaping a more sustainable energy culture. We discuss implications for increasing the efficiency of the energy system of this region and factors that could inform energy policies and sustainability interventions. We conclude by situating our research within a larger narrative of rural energy transitions and discuss the value of a systems approach when undertaking energy systems research.
KW - Energy conservation
KW - Energy cultures framework
KW - Energy transition
KW - Pro-environmental behavior
KW - Renewable energy
KW - Rural energy
KW - Energy research
KW - Environmental planning
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85075879112&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.enpol.2019.111092
DO - 10.1016/j.enpol.2019.111092
M3 - Journal articles
AN - SCOPUS:85075879112
VL - 137
JO - Energy Policy
JF - Energy Policy
SN - 0301-4215
M1 - 111092
ER -