University of Twente Student Theses
Students' perceived potential to reduce natural gas usage: a qualitative research
Witt, J.E. (2022) Students' perceived potential to reduce natural gas usage: a qualitative research.
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| Abstract: | Burning natural gas emits greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming leading to extreme weather, ecosystem damage and food insecurity. Because of the natural gas production decrease in Groningen, the Netherlands became more energy-dependent on other countries for natural gas. At the same time, the variable natural gas consumer prices have strongly increased in the past year. Therefore, a reduction of natural gas usage in households contributes to a solution for climate change and energy affordability. I conducted one focus group discussion with three participants and one interview with HBO/University students studying in Leeuwarden (Friesland) using the Social Practice Theory (SPT). This study questions how students perceive their potential to reduce natural gas usage. The reasons in favour of their perceived potential included meanings, competences, and materials as well as a socio-demographic factor (paying per usage). The reasons for a lack of potential included meanings, materials, competences, socio-demographic factors (with an additional socio-demographic factor which is non-helping landlords). This study suggests that SPT is applicable to research on how students perceive their potential to reduce natural gas usage and that socio-demographic factors are also essential contributors to how this is perceived. In addition, several solutions were mentioned in the additional brainstorming sessions and are recommendations for policymakers. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 10 humanities in general, 43 environmental science |
| Programme: | Environmental and Energy Management MSc (69319) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/92608 |
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