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Access Type
Open Access
Document Type
thesis
Degree Program
Regional Planning
Degree Type
Master of Regional Planning (M.R.P.)
Year Degree Awarded
2011
Month Degree Awarded
September
Keywords
Energy Efficiency, Climate Change Mitigation Planning, Modeling, Energy Policy
Abstract
This research examines variation in average household energy consumption for space heating in municipalities in Massachusetts in order to explore the magnitude of variation among communities and potential causes. A dataset that aggregates natural gas consumption at the municipal level is used for a sample of municipalities in Massachusetts. Based upon this data, a regression model is developed to determine building and household occupancy characteristics that influence household energy consumption. The findings suggest dwelling size, tenure, and age are related to average household energy consumption.
Based upon these findings, recommendations are developed for the restructuring of federal and state level energy efficiency programs.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7275/2209496
First Advisor
Elisabeth M. Hamin
Second Advisor
Henry Renski
Included in
Energy Policy Commons, Environmental Policy Commons, Urban Studies Commons, Urban Studies and Planning Commons