Energy Consumption at Kennesaw State University and Potential Conservation Strategies

Presenters

Disciplines

Social and Cultural Anthropology

Abstract (300 words maximum)

Energy is fundamental and fully embedded in daily life; however, many common sources of energy are nonrenewable and therefore need to be carefully managed. Wasted energy is not only costly, but it can also have negative environmental effects. Therefore, in order to maximize the benefits and minimize consequences, it is important to modify behaviors and create effective systems. Throughout day-to-day activities on university campuses, energy is utilized in various forms to power things such as classrooms, electronics, and transportation. Since universities are undeniably a major source of localized energy consumption, they are likely major sources of energy waste as well. The purpose of this research is to investigate energy waste and consumption habits on campus at Kennesaw State University by collecting data through direct observations and semi-structured interviews. The main research questions being asked are; how is energy consumption/waste distributed across campus? What are the most common causes of energy waste at a university? How can energy consumption on campus be reduced? Interviewees were purposefully selected from clubs and organizations such as the Students for Environmental Sustainability, Social Culinary Society, EcoOwls, ENACTUS, and Engineers for a Sustainable World. The data collected will be used to support proposed conservation strategies that will enable KSU to become more environmentally conscious and energy efficient.

Keywords: Energy; environment; utilize; consumption; waste; power; Kennesaw State University; conservation

Academic department under which the project should be listed

RCHSS - Geography & Anthropology

Primary Investigator (PI) Name

Brandon D. Lundy

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Energy Consumption at Kennesaw State University and Potential Conservation Strategies

Energy is fundamental and fully embedded in daily life; however, many common sources of energy are nonrenewable and therefore need to be carefully managed. Wasted energy is not only costly, but it can also have negative environmental effects. Therefore, in order to maximize the benefits and minimize consequences, it is important to modify behaviors and create effective systems. Throughout day-to-day activities on university campuses, energy is utilized in various forms to power things such as classrooms, electronics, and transportation. Since universities are undeniably a major source of localized energy consumption, they are likely major sources of energy waste as well. The purpose of this research is to investigate energy waste and consumption habits on campus at Kennesaw State University by collecting data through direct observations and semi-structured interviews. The main research questions being asked are; how is energy consumption/waste distributed across campus? What are the most common causes of energy waste at a university? How can energy consumption on campus be reduced? Interviewees were purposefully selected from clubs and organizations such as the Students for Environmental Sustainability, Social Culinary Society, EcoOwls, ENACTUS, and Engineers for a Sustainable World. The data collected will be used to support proposed conservation strategies that will enable KSU to become more environmentally conscious and energy efficient.

Keywords: Energy; environment; utilize; consumption; waste; power; Kennesaw State University; conservation