The human dimension of domestic energy use : an integrated approach

Domestic energy consumption is a multifaceted phenomenon which is dependent on both the social and technical characteristics of domestic households. In this thesis it is argued that such a phenomenon is best understood using an integrated approach, combining both the physical and social theories of energy use. Such an integrated approach is developed with the use of systems theory and focuses on the interaction between the physical and social aspects of the household. This integrated approach is used to analyse UK and US domestic energy consumption patterns and is compared with a purely physical and a purely social analysis. These analyses also highlight the inadequacies of the physical or social approach and demonstrates the difficulty involved in trying to consider both in a single integrated analysis.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

The Open University

Year dc:date.issued

1995

Author dc:creator

• Hitchcock, Guy St John

Language dc:language

en