Renewable sources of energy for domestic use : attitudes and perceived implications for quality of life

Abstract

In this study, attitudes and perceived implications for quality of life of environmentalists were explored, with a specific focus on the domestic use of renewable energy sources. A systems theoretical approach was followed in conjunction with a qualitative methodology in order to place the attitudes and perceived implications for quality of life in context with the systems in which they exist. The in-depth data that was collected by means of face-to-face interviews was analysed in a qualitative and systems theoretical framework. The three stages of analysis of the data are described and this culminates in a discussion of the six identified pattern categories. The conceptual discussion that follows are based on these six pattern categories. The participants' learned attitude toward the environment, the role of responsibility and its influence on perceived quality of life, risk perception as inhibitor of action, renewable energy and the perception of self, renewable energy as available medium and the possibility of change of attitude toward renewable energy sources are discussed in depth. The interaction between the energy-consumer system and the energy-environment system is explored and placed within the larger context. The recognition of a difference in a system, the interactive parts thereof, the transactional process between the systems and the collateral energy added by either or both of the systems, transactional processes and the required feedback loops, the difference that makes a difference and the description of transformation processes expose a hierarchy of logical types inherent in the system.