Energy Sufficiency

Mitigating anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions is one of the pivotal challenges in achieving sustainable development. The decarbonization of our carbon-dependent society necessitates extensive transformations in our energy utilization practices. In our research on sustainable energy use, we therefore investigate how energy can be used in a sufficient way, i.e. economically, sustainably and flexibly. A particular emphasis is placed on heating systems and the air conditioning of buildings. We therefore explore options to alter everyday behaviours in ways that reduce energy consumption, and we investigate infrastructures and organizational models that can bolster this transition. An important question here is how to provide vulnerable groups with sufficient access to energy.