Individual carbon footprint calculators in Aalborg to support the transition towards a low-carbon society
Author
Rincon Gil, Maria Camila
Term
4. semester
Publication year
2018
Abstract
Denne afhandling tager udgangspunkt i internationale og danske klimamål, herunder Aalborgs ambition om et fossilfrit energisystem i 2030, og undersøger behovet for reduktioner og fleksibilitet i varmeforbruget. Forskningsspørgsmålet er: Hvordan kan individuelle CO2-aftryksberegnere (CFC) støtte overgangen til et fossilfrit varmesystem? Metoderne omfatter litteraturgennemgang, spørgeskemaer og interviews i Aalborg. Med afsæt i teorier om adfærdsændring og betydningen af feedback foreslås forskellige typer feedback – blandt andet visualiseringer, sammenligninger og belønninger – der kan aktivere motivations- og kontekstuelle faktorer og dermed fremme pro-miljø adfærd. Undersøgelsen berører også mulighederne i smart meters og digitale værktøjer til at følge energiforbrug. Resultaterne peger på en klar interesse for at modtage feedback om de miljømæssige konsekvenser af energiforbruget, og der præsenteres en SWOT-analyse af CFC’er i Aalborg-konteksten. Den tilgængelige tekst giver ikke kvantificerede effekter, men fokuserer på brugerinteresse og designovervejelser.
This thesis is situated within international and Danish climate targets, including Aalborg’s goal of a fossil-free energy system by 2030, and addresses the need for reductions and flexibility in heat demand. The research question asks: How can individual carbon footprint calculators (CFCs) support the transition to a fossil-free heating system? The study employs a literature review, surveys, and interviews in Aalborg. Drawing on behavior change theories and the importance of feedback, it proposes several feedback approaches—such as visualizations, social comparisons, and rewards—designed to activate motivational and contextual factors and encourage pro-environmental behavior. The work also considers the role of smart meters and digital tools for tracking energy use. Findings indicate strong interest in receiving feedback on the environmental impacts of energy consumption, and a SWOT analysis is presented for CFCs in the Aalborg context. The available text does not report quantified impacts; it focuses on user interest and design considerations.
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