Tackling Climate Change in Scotland: The role of environmental economics, behavioural economics and psychology in achieving Scottish energy targets. (Ref. SoSS-2020-003)
Supervisory team: Dr Claudia Aravena, Dr Mioara Cristea & Prof. Mark Schaffer.
The Scottish Climate Change Act 2009 aims to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050. Energy efficiency and behavioural changes have been recognized as key elements to achieve a low carbon economy and sustainable growth. This project aims to study residential energy behaviour in Scottish households. The project will use a mix of economic and psychological frameworks to study household choices of energy sources; current patterns of energy use and how they can be changed; and adoption of energy efficiency measures and smart technology (including electric vehicles). Specific research topics may include the role of economic incentives, motivations, involvement and trust among other economic and psychological factors achieving reductions in CO2-emissions and improvement in wellbeing. The project also aims to contribute with advanced empirical evidence to the analysis of economic policy instruments in order to advise the strategy of Energy Efficiency Scotland and secure a high economic and societal impact.
Applicants for this project should have an MSc in either Economics or Psychology (or a closely related area). In addition, it is desirable (though not essential) to have some experience in econometrics, behavioural/attitudinal change, and/or theories of motivation.
For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Claudia Aravena (c.aravena@hw.ac.uk)
Link to the application: https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/scholarships/phd-scholarships-business-management.htm
When submitting your application for this project area, please select the option ‘Economics, PhD’ from the drop-down list on the online application system.