Shades of green spatial patterns in energy conservation and utilisation of renewable energy in Malta

Abstract

The ongoing debates on the effects of Global Warming, fossil fuel implications (unsustainable exploitation, spiraling record prices and carbon dioxide released, pollution) and growing food staple prices result in an exponentially-growing interest in the fields of Energy Conservation and Efficiency and Renewable Energy. There is no doubt as to the commendable nature of such measures, but to what extent is a person prone to have such measures ingrained in habit? It is the aim of this dissertation to scrutinize the patterns of such measures in the local context. It is also being assumed that such patterns will be the direct result to affluency and education levels. Therefore the study aims to discern to what extent (if any) these two factors have on Energy Conservation and Efficiency and Renewable Energy measures in Malta. The research partly consisted in carrying out a total of 200 telephone questionnaires. The respondents were selected randomly. This operation permitted the eliciting of current trends in the utilization of the said measures vis-a-vis the two hypothetical determining factors in such a trend. The respondents also explained how their views on the particular questions of the study. Crucial information was acquired by understanding better popular perceptions, behavior and ideas. The results show that although the majority of persons are aware of the concepts of Energy Conservation and Efficiency Measures and Renewable Energy, a lesser quantity of these persons are proactive in utilizing such measure. More intensive awareness campaigns should be conducted so as to induce deeper public participation in said measures. The Central Government and the European Union can also have an important part to play in shouldering some of the costs such measures imply, so as to rend them more attractive to the public.