Keywords

Energy use, conservation behavior, environmental sociology

Abstract

As the effects of global climate change become increasingly apparent, many concerned individuals are making efforts to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. One simple and effective method of reducing one's personal carbon footprint is through energy conservation behavior. Studies have shown that occupant behavior can control as much as 50% of residential energy use and that energy use varies widely between residences with the same number of occupants depending on consumption behavior. In light of this, energy conservation behavior is a valuable method of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and curbing the effects of climate change. Motivating people to conserve energy could have profound positive effects on the environment. The following study applies Icek Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior (1991) to energy conservation behavior among college students in the state of Florida. This research tests the hypothesis that pro-environmental attitudes, influence of peers, and a high level of perceived control over behavior have a significant impact on energy conservation behavior.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2010

Advisor

Canan, Penelope

Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Sociology

Degree Program

Applied Sociology

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0003183

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0003183

Language

English

Release Date

August 2010

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

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Sociology Commons

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