Why We Do What We Do the Factors That Influence Energy Behaviour and How to Effect

University of Calgary PRISM: University of Calgary's Digital Repository Graduate Studies Graduate Capstones 2018 Why We Do What We Do The Factors that Influence Energy Behaviour and How to Effect Timmins, Eric Timmins, E. (2018). Why We Do What We Do The Factors that Influence Energy Behaviour and How to Effect (Unpublished report). University of Calgary, Calgary, AB. doi:10.11575/PRISM/33108 http://hdl.handle.net/1880/108756 report University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission. Downloaded from PRISM: https://prism.ucalgary.ca UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY Why We Do What We Do: The Factors that Influence Energy Behaviour and How to Effect Change in Alberta Energy Consumption Patterns by Eric Timmins A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE GRADUATE PROGRAM IN SUSTAINABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT CALGARY, ALBERTA August, 2018 © Eric Timmins 2018 Abstract In order to address the growing issue of climate change, the Alberta Climate Leadership Plan was developed and implemented so the Province can work to minimize GHG emissions attributed to energy production. For this plan to be successful, reduction in energy demand and a change in energy culture in Alberta is required. This policy initiative demonstrates that integration of individual behaviour into energy analysis has become very relevant. Yet, it is not always clear what factors most affect energy behaviour. In this study, I examine the relationship between factors affecting energy behaviour and the implications for energy culture in Alberta. I conduct a qualitative case study on Alberta’s climate policy analysing secondary data on energy use patterns and behaviour. Individual behaviour is influenced by internal factors, such as knowledge and attitudes, and external factors, including social norms and material constructs. Using these factors to effect change in Alberta will require intervention strategies that employ an integrated and interdisciplinary approach. ii Acknowledgements I would like to thank my supervisor, Dr. Connie Van der Byl, for all the support and guidance provided throughout this project and in the completion of this report. I would also like to thank my wife, Alison Timmins, for being a constant source of inspiration and support. iii Table of Contents Approval Page ............................................................................................................................. i Abstract ...................................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................... iii Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….iv List of Tables............................................................................................................................... v List of Figures ............................................................................................................................ vi Chapter 1. Introduction .............................................................................................................. 1 Chapter 2. Literature Review ...................................................................................................... 7 2.1 Theory of Planned Behaviour ..................................................................................... 8 2.2 Value-Belief-Norm Theory ........................................................................................ 16 2.3 Model of Pro-environmental Behaviour ................................................................... 18 2.4 Behaviour Related to Energy Consumption .............................................................. 21 2.5 Energy and Society .................................................................................................... 24 2.6 Interventions ............................................................................................................ 28 Chapter 3. Methods .................................................................................................................. 35 Chapter 4. Data Analysis .......................................................................................................... 37 Chapter 5. Findings and Discussion .......................................................................................... 41 Chapter 6. Conclusions ............................................................................................................. 54 6.1 Recommendations ...................................................................................................... 54 6.2 Limitations .................................................................................................................. 58 6.3 Future Research .......................................................................................................... 59 References ................................................................................................................................ 60 Appendix A ............................................................................................................................... 66 iv List of Tables Table 1. Primary and secondary energy use by sector in Canada …………………………………………….37 Table 2. Electricity energy use by province in Canada………………………………………………………………38 Table 3. Alberta electricity generation by fuel type…………………………………………………………….……39 Table 4. Summary of recommendations…………………………………………….…………………………………….58 v List of Figures Figure 1: Theory of planned behaviour…………………………………………………………………………………….8 Figure 2. The value-belief-norm theory……………………………………………………………………………………16 Figure 3. Model of pro-environmental behaviour…………………………………………………………………….19 Figure 4. Energy cultures framework……………………………………………………………………………………….27 Figure 5. Summary of behavioural aspects and intervention strategies……………………………………42 vi Chapter 1. Introduction Global climate change affects both the human and the natural systems on earth, and currently poses a threat to the health, economy, and basic necessities of life, such as food and water for billions of people worldwide (The Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change, 2015). Evidence of this ongoing warming has already been seen globally, in the form of extreme weather events, sea levels rising and the diminishment of ice and snow, which have caused reductions in global food supply (The Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change, 2015). The steady increase of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions since the pre-industrial era is seen as the “extremely likely dominant cause” of these climate changes (The Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change, 2015). This means that society shares the responsibility for the changing climate and in response to this challenge before us, society will have to either deliberately seek out, or be involuntarily subjected to, profound societal transformation regarding energy (Hackmann, 2014). Action on this front was taken in the form of the Paris Conference in 2015, where it was agreed upon that the participating countries would, among other things, “Pursue domestic mitigation measures” in order to curb growing carbon dioxide emissions and promote sustainable development (United Nations, 2015). In Alberta, in preparation for the Paris Conference, a report was issued by the provincial government in November of 2015 that stated that “An ambitious and effective climate strategy will provide Alberta with credibility on the global stage at the upcoming 21st Conference of the Parties (COP) in Paris and in our upcoming national discussions on climate change and will ensure that our province is positioned as a policy leader on climate change mitigation” (Alberta, 1 2015, p. 2). This lead to the development of the Climate Leadership Plan (CLP), in which, there are goals outlining how Alberta can make a move towards reducing their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and do their part in mitigating risks associated with climate change. The primary goal of the CLP is to achieve reductions in GHG emissions in Alberta, with secondary goals of economic diversification and an increased community health and well-being (Government of Alberta, 2015). Actions inherent in these overall goals include the phasing out of coal fired power plants and the integration of more renewable energy sources, up to 30% of the overall energy mix by the year 2030, as well as capping oil sands emissions and methane emissions from upstream oil and gas (Government of Alberta, 2015). For these targets to be reached by the desired deadlines, participation by all levels, government, industry and the public will be required. The CLP outlines the support and active engagement in green practices by Albertans as a major required contribution for the plan’s success. In order to encourage the necessary changes, the Government of Alberta came up with the following six action areas: Climate policy and leadership, renewable energy, energy efficiency, supply and use of clean technology and transit, support and engagement of Albertans, and skills and employment in the green sector (Government of Alberta, 2015). For the action

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