RES300 Research Methods

Introduction

Human beings have been relying on energy as they do any other basic necessity of life. As the world population continues to grow steadily, so does the demand for energy. Energy sources such as oil, gas, coal and uranium have also been depleting over the years. This, along with the adverse effects of extracting these energy sources resulted in human beings discovering alternative and more eco-friendly sources of energy. Sustainable energy is the name of this innovation and is generally a form of energy that meets everyday demands and is not at risk of being depleted or harming the environment (Rinkesh, 2021). To ensure that future generations are able to enjoy the world as it is now, stakeholders in the built industry such as the government, investors, and professionals have been awoken by the realities of global warming. They are now advocating for builders to adopt green energy in an attempt to reduce the release of carbon IV oxide to the atmosphere. According to the Brundtland report, Agenda 21 and the United Nations conference of 1992 in Rio de Janeiro and the Kyoto protocol on sustainability, the entire world was called upon to adopt green energy that is sustainable and infinite in nature rather than using the non-renewable sources of energy.

Sustainable energy, otherwise referred to as renewable energy is ‘clean’ energy that is produced from natural sources and processes, and is replenished constantly. A simple analogy is that the sun will always be shining, the wind always blowing and the earth’s core always producing heat i.e. they are infinite. Other sources of renewable energy include tidal energy, hydroelectric, biomass etc. Renewable energy sources were actually used in the past long before technology came about until man discovered cheaper albeit more harmful energy sources that is fossil fuels (Shinn, 2018). The recent environmental crisis resulted in going back to the old methods especially after the invention of cheaper means of capturing and retaining wind and solar energy.

Some examples of non-renewable energy sources are fossil fuels like gas, oil and coal. These are finite and take years to replenish. They have been around since prehistoric times and were formed over the course of many millennia and may take just as long to be replenished. All fossil fuels are harmful to the environment from the moment of their extraction or mining to their use. All the processes involved in their manufacture, transport, use and their emissions adversely affect the environment and contribute to global warming.

The need to transition

As a result of the pollution and environmental degradation caused by fossil fuels, pressure has been put on the energy sector to abandon carbon burning and turn to solar and other eco-friendly options. This of course will have numerous benefits such as; reduced levels of global warming due to less CO₂ emissions, improved public health due to reduced air and water pollution, inexhaustible energy because sustainable energy is infinite, and stable energy prices (ucsusa, 2017). Something else to note is that fossil fuels are found in specific places worldwide making them plentiful in some counties and scarce or none in others. However, sunshine and wind is accessible to all countries. A country may improve its national security by prioritizing renewable energy sources since this will reduce its reliance on exports from nations rich in fossil fuels.

For all the above to be possible, a successful energy transition has to made from non-renewable sources to sustainable ones. Energy transition is a pathway towards the de-carbonization of the energy sector thus reducing CO₂ emissions to limit climate change (IRENA, 2021). This initiative requires global scale action and although the transition is underway in many energy sectors around the world, there is much that has to be done to decrease the amount of carbon emitted and ease the effects of climate change. It is estimated that renewable energy and using energy efficiently can result 90% reduced carbon emissions.

For this transition to take place, the use of smart technology and information technology will be key. Adjusting the frameworks of policy and market instruments will also go a long way in smoothening this conversion. The purpose of this study is to create awareness so as to propagate the need for energy transition.

Research Gap

One of the biggest challenges faced by sustainable energy is adapting it to a society that has predominantly used fossil fuels for centuries. Global warming and environmental degradation are the main reasons why world governments are championing and adapting renewable energy systems in their various industries. While many are quick to transition, many more are set in their ways. Lack of awareness can be stated as the reason why so many communities and countries are reluctant to shift from non-renewable sources to renewable ones.

Research Questions

1. Meaning and importance of sustainable energy?
   2. How effective is renewable energy?
   3. How does renewable/ sustainable energy effect climate change?
   4. How important it is to transition to sustainable energy.

Methodology

Research design

Renewable energy is the future of the world if there is to be zero carbo emissions from fuels. However, the consumer first has to be willing to leave the old and move to the new. It is difficult to sell the bigger picture to most people since most people worry about their day to day rather than the fate of the world in the next 100 years. To ensure that transition can take place smoothly and efficiently, the basic units of a community first have to be made aware of their options which have to be better, or rather cheaper, than the energy sources they currently rely on.

There are certain changes that can be made from the household scale so as to achieve a sustainable energy changeover. They include adopting of green energy sources and technologies, adopting energy efficient measures in homes and workplaces, using energy saving appliances and adapting user behavior to match available energy supply (Future Learn, 2021). To achieve these changes required scientists to come up with ways to encourage and allow people to contribute actively towards sustainable energy transitioning. They came up with a general framework which comprised of the following:

• Identifying and measuring behaviors that have to be changed
• Examining the main factors underlying energy behavior
• Designing and testing interventions necessary to change said behavior that will reduce Carbon IV oxideemissions by households. The interventions will include providing information, incentives and making technological adjustments.
• Studying the factors which underlie the acceptability of these inventions and changes in energy systems by the public.

Data Collection

The World Resources Institute (WRI) recommends a set of sustainable energy indicators which will aid in achieving the framework mentioned above and in data collection. These are:

• Representatives to show how relevant the identified product and processes will be.
• Space and time comparability.
• Collection of data from reliable sources
• Clarity and synthesis of the data identified.
• Forecast to predict challenges that might occur and seek solutions (Aurora Carneiro Zen, 2012)

For this study, data will be both qualitative and quantitative. The collection methods will include; interviews, questionnaires and surveys, observations, documents and records, and focus groups (Ainsworth, 2018). The quantitative data will be gotten from the questionnaires, surveys and records and documents. The qualitative data on the other hand will be from interviews, observations and focus groups. Monitoring sustainability is a long exercise and requires flexibility since ideas and preferences change with time. Different groups may require different criteria depending on the indicator they choose. Assessing sustainability overall is a formidable task. As such it will require a team of professionals from different fields to conduct the research exercise. After data collection, the information will be analyzed and documented so as to aid the study.

Studies such as this one can be very expensive and time consuming since they target a large demographic of people. To ensure collection of data is quick and cost effective, the above data collection methods have been suggested. Questionnaires for instance are easy to administer to large numbers and are cost effective. Using existing data is also advantageous since the information is from similar studies conducted making the results very accurate (Formplus , 2020). Target groups can be found in institutions such as schools, colleges, hospitals and even homes.

The methods of data collection stated above are extremely necessary because they enable the investigator to better understand his target user’s needs and opinions on sustainable energy transition. For any kind of transitioning to be possible, investigators have to know if people are eager to ready to accept renewable energy sources. After the thoughts and opinions of the target consumer are made known, it is possible to increase the effectiveness of sustainable energy systems and to satisfy the requirements of individuals and homes all round the world. It will also be possible to reduce the total energy demand in developed countries for example by adopting the use of energy efficient appliances as well as changing daily energy behaviors such are reducing thermostat settings and time taken to shower.

Sampling

The sample group that will be necessary for this study will be from; registered businesses and enterprises, establishment facilities, institutions and households (IRENA, 2021). Probability sampling would the best method to use since it allows one to make strong statistical inferences about the whole group. However, a study does not always go smoothly and issues may come up thus hindering the study. As a result, for this study non-probability sampling is recommended because it is convenient and allows for easy collection of data (McCombes, 2019).

This study will involve a large demographic thus it is necessary to divide the population into smaller groups that are distinctly different and the researchers using their proficiency will choose the most suitable sample for this particular study. The sampling method used will be a combination of purposive sampling and stratified sampling. Stratified sampling will be used because it allows for dividing the population onto subgroups (strata) based on age, gender, income bracket and job role; which will be instrumental in collecting opinion and data since these are all targets for sustainable energy transition. Purposive sampling will be used in case there are obstacles met during the survey which will only allow for a small and specific sample size to be collected (McCombes, 2019).

Ethical considerations

Since surveys conducted for research often involve people, there are certain issues that arise during data collection. First being that the sample population may be unwilling to participate and even if they do, they may not answer or fill the questionnaires properly. Due to these reasons it is important to have back up plans when it comes to sample collection. It is important to note that all participants are free to participate or decline the offer. As this study is ongoing, no participants should be barred from participating in the survey. During the survey process of this study, some of the participants will have their names, addresses and occupations known for the purposes of research. Others on the other hand, will remain completely anonymous especially in online surveys.

In the case where the participants’ specifics are known, the researcher maintains confidentiality of this information. Some of the methods that can be employed to keep the subjects’ identity confidential are securing the records using password protected files, encrypting information when it is sent over the internet or even simply keeping the records under lock and key in drawers (Evergreen, 2020). Another way is using codes only known to the subjects and not recording the information that links subject responses with identifying information. In so doing it is possible to maintain confidentiality.

References

Ainsworth, Q. (2018, March 18). Data Collection Methods. Retrieved from Jotform: https://www.jotform.com/data-collection-methods/

Aurora Carneiro Zen, A. L. (2012, March/June). Sustainability, Energy and Development:. International Journal for Infonomics (IJI), pp. Volume 5, Issue 1/2.

Brett Smith, B. (2019, June 26). The Challenges Renewable Energy Sources Face. Retrieved from AZO Materials: https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=18220

Evergreen. (2020). Understanding Confidentiality and Anonymity. Retrieved from https://www.evergreen.edu/humansubjectsreview/confidentiality

Formplus . (2020, Dec 04). 7 Data Collection Methods & Tools For Research. Retrieved from Formplus Blog: https://www.formpl.us/blog/data-collection-method

Future Learn. (2021). The human dimensions of a sustainable energy transition. Retrieved from Future Learn: https://www.futurelearn.com/info/courses/energy-transition/0/steps/10250

IRENA. (2021). Data sources and collection strategies for renewable energy. IRENA Renewable Energy Statistics Training.

IRENA. (2021). Energy Transition. Retrieved from International Renewable Energy Agency: https://www.irena.org/energytransition

McCombes, S. (2019, September 19). An introduction to sampling methods. Retrieved from Scribbr: https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/sampling-methods/

Rinkesh. (2021). What is Sustainable Energy? Retrieved from Conserve Energy Future: https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/sustainableenergy.php

Shinn, L. (2018, June 15). Renewable Energy: The Clean Facts. Retrieved from NRDC: https://www.nrdc.org/stories/renewable-energy-clean-facts

Tierney, S., & Bird, L. (2020, May 12). Setting the Record Straight About Renewable Energy. Retrieved from World Resources Institute: https://www.wri.org/insights/setting-record-straight-about-renewable-energy

ucsusa. (2017, Dec 20). Benefits of Renewable Energy Use. Retrieved from Union of Concerned Scientists: https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/benefits-renewable-energy-use

ucsusa. (2017, Dec 20). Benefits of Renewable Energy Use. Retrieved from Union of Concerned Scientists: https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/benefits-renewable-energy-use

worldwildlife. (2015). Importance of Renewable Energy in the Fight against Climate Change. Retrieved from https://www.worldwildlife.org/magazine/issues/summer-2015/articles/importance-of-renewable-energy-in-the-fight-against-climate-change--3

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