PhD in Governing Deep Energy Demand Reduction

Energy demand, or the way people consume energy in homes, buildings, transport and industrial processes, has a key part to play as we address climate change and move towards net zero societies (Barrett et al, 2022). This PhD position engages with questions of personal and social organisation and how these affect the potential to realise energy demand solutions. The focus is on the governance of energy demand reduction, here conceptualised as the ways we make decisions and take actions on issues of energy demand reduction.

Some energy demand reduction solutions can be achieved without significant disruption to our current lifestyles, culture, habits, and means of organising social life. For example, the switch from gas boilers to heat pumps has significant implications for electricity systems, but requires only modest behavioural change from energy users. However, deeper shifts in, for example, food, mobility, work, and consumer goods systems will require different ways of organising our time and activities, and individual and collective ways of working together.

This PhD position will examine the governance implications of barriers to and drivers of these necessary but more disruptive shifts in lives and livelihoods. Possible research areas include, but are not limited to:

·        Reductions in working time and 4-day work weeks

·        Spaces for conviviality (repair cafes, autonomous spaces, etc)

·        Shifts in diet, food production, or other goods

·        Reciprocity

·        Transaction costs

·        Behaviour change

·        Social experiments and times of the city

·        Universal Basic Income

·        Equity implications of behaviour change

The chosen candidate will have freedom to define their own theoretical and conceptual frame to suit their area of interest, but will work on developing conceptual and empirical work that contributes to better understanding of the governance implications of barriers and enablers of deep energy demand reduction. Methodology is likewise to be defined by the student but must allow findings to be applicable to understanding of energy demand in the UK. The incorporation of research in other parts of the world is, however, also welcome.

Eligibility

The scholarship is available for UK/EU and overseas applicants. Applicants should have an upper second-class honours degree, and already have, or currently be studying for, a Master’s degree in a related subject, or equivalent qualification if a non-UK applicant. A good level pass is usually required for the Master’s degree. Proof of proficiency in English is also required, i.e., an IELTS certificate taken within the last two years showing at least 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each of the four sections.

Contact

Name: Marie Claire Brisbois      Email: M.C.Brisbois@sussex.ac.uk           

Applications Tel:

Applications WWW link: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/business-school/people-and-departments/spru/teaching-and-learning/phd

Name:  Gerardo A. Torres Contreras      Email: g.torres-contreras@sussex.ac.uk

Applications Tel:

Applications WWW link: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/business-school/people-and-departments/spru/teaching-and-learning/phd

For full information, please see here: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/fees-funding/phd-funding/view/1738-PhD-in-Governing-Deep-Energy-Demand-Reduction