Education for Reenergization: Overcoming Behavioral Barriers to Energy Efficiency in the Residential Sector

November 2011
Citation:
41
ELR 11030
Issue
11
Author
Elizabeth B. Forsyth

To face the challenges of energy consumption, the United States requires a policy that aims to bring the country to the highest level of residential energy efficiency possible, while educating the next generation of leaders on energy use and the potential for change through efficiency. Standing in the way of improved energy efficiency are behavioral barriers, including information barriers, transaction cost barriers, and landlord-tenant barriers. Current domestic energy efficiency programs operate with varying degrees of effectiveness, but more widespread and lasting change could be accomplished by implementing a program that would educate high school students on energy and create incentives for students to improve their homes’ efficiency.

Elizabeth B. Forsyth is a law clerk to the Hon. Thomas S. Zilly in the Western District of Washington.

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