UCL Discovery
UCL home » Library Services » Electronic resources » UCL Discovery

Barriers to domestic micro-generation

Cattermole, S; (2007) Barriers to domestic micro-generation. Doctoral thesis , UCL (University College London). Green open access

[thumbnail of Cattermole_thesis.redacted.pdf]
Preview
Text
Cattermole_thesis.redacted.pdf

Download (20MB) | Preview

Abstract

"Climate change is perhaps the greatest challenge facing our world today" (Tony Blair, 2007). The growing and incontrovertible body of scientific evidence that the climate is changing as a result of man-made greenhouse gases can no longer be ignored, and the UK government has voiced its commitment to tackling climate change as a top priority. Amongst other tilings, reducing greenhouse gases will require switching to more sustainable forms of energy supply, particularly renewable energy. Small-scale renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels, also known as micro-generation technologies (MGTs), have a vital contribution to make in meeting the UK's emissions reductions targets, as well as raising awareness and encouraging behavioural change. However, to date, take-up of MGTs has been slow, and in recent years demand for them appears to have waned. This research seeks to identify and understand the barriers preventing a more widespread take-up of micro-generation in the domestic sector of the UK, viewed from the perspective of eight different groups that are involved in the process: from designing through to implementing a micro-generation scheme. Quantitative research is undertaken through questionnaires sent to the groups: householders, developers, plarining consultants, architects/technicians, development control officers, policy officers, local councillors and micro-generation installers. Analysis of the responses provides conclusions that cost is the most significant barrier, and none of the MGTs can currently meet householders expectations of pay-back times. There is a lack of detailed public awareness of MGTs and the LCBP grant, and a lack of expertise within pknning departments. Pknning permission is not seen as a major barrier, but there is a perception that it would be difficult to obtain key obstacles are likely to be the location of the dwelling, neighbour objections and unsupportive pkrrning officers. There is also a kck of positive pknning policies.

Type: Thesis (Doctoral)
Title: Barriers to domestic micro-generation
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
Language: English
Additional information: Thesis digitised by ProQuest. Third party copyright material has been removed from the ethesis. Images identifying individuals have been redacted or partially redacted to protect their identity.
UCL classification: UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of the Built Environment > The Bartlett School of Planning
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1567824
Downloads since deposit
26Downloads
Download activity - last month
Download activity - last 12 months
Downloads by country - last 12 months

Archive Staff Only

View Item View Item