From left: Krista Harper (anthropology), Erin Baker (Mechanical & Industrial Engineering), Matthew Lackner (Mechanical & Industrial Engineering), and Anna P. Goldstein (Mechanical & Industrial Engineering)
What would it truly look like to adopt renewable energy fairly and equitably? In essence, what is the “just transition” to a sustainable society that environmental and social activists talk about?
This project aims to understand and clarify this question, examining specifically the impact of the transition to renewable energy in Holyoke, Massachusetts, which is embarking on a multi-year community initiative to plan their city's transition to carbon neutrality.
Working with local partners in the community to formulate and tailor their approach, this multidisciplinary research team will carry out qualitative research and a participatory workshop to understand people’s relationships with and perspectives on energy, including access and pricing as well as perceptions of fairness as drivers of energy consumption choices. By contextualizing how people respond to renewable energy in this way, the project aims to contribute valuable insights to wider decarbonization and environmental justice efforts.
In terms of impact, the team aims to develop strong and lasting partnerships with the community, ensuring that the research is relevant and beneficial to the people of Holyoke. The results will be shared with community partners, contributing to their ongoing efforts in energy transition and climate mitigation.
Additionally, the project will provide valuable mentoring and research experience to graduate and undergraduate students. By placing these students on the frontlines of a real, large-scale decarbonization effort, the team hopes to demonstrate the immediate value of STEM research in solving pressing social and environmental problems.
This team is among the UMass Amherst researchers awarded $6 million from the NSF to study sustainability, equity, and resilience in the energy transition.