We are developing a conceptual model that creates an analytical framework to be applied to future research.
Synthesising an energy justice and vulnerability framework
We are developing a novel conceptual model that creates an analytical framework which can be applied to future research.
We are examining fuel and transport poverty through the lenses of energy vulnerability and energy justice. These concepts are at the forefront of debates around inequality within energy systems – but the relationships between them are little explored:
- The energy vulnerability framework works primarily at a household scale, exposing the complex issues that shape the risk of a household experiencing a lack of core energy services such as heating, cooking, washing and the use of appliances.
- The energy justice framework works primarily at the structural and institutional scale to reveal the underpinning processes – distribution of resources, decision-making procedures, and recognition of the causes – that reinforce household-scale vulnerability.
By explaining the links between the two concepts and developing a single framework, this part of the project creates a multi-scale view of the relationship between structural change and household circumstances in fuel and transport poverty. We contribute to the debates on just energy transitions and provide insight into social flexibility and non-technical energy demand reduction measures.
What we are asking
- What are the driving forces behind energy and transport poverty?
- How can we represent these forces as a framework suitable for use in future research?
Banner photo credit: Ant Rozetsky on Unsplash