The Double Life of Energy: How Second Homes Deepen Inequality and Emissions
A new study in Energy Research & Social Science investigates the energy consumption and emissions footprint of primary versus second homes. The research, focused on Finland, reveals that second homes are not just a luxury but a significant driver of energy use and carbon emissions, often concentrated among wealthier households. This creates a dual burden: a direct environmental impact and a reinforcement of social inequality, where the carbon-intensive leisure of some contributes disproportionately to a problem borne by all.
Why it might matter to you:
This research connects the dots between energy policy, consumption patterns, and social equity—a nexus central to public service in the energy sector. It provides a concrete framework for evaluating the distributive justice implications of residential energy use, moving beyond aggregate data to the household level. For anyone involved in crafting sustainable energy procurement or usage policies, it underscores the importance of targeting demand-side interventions where they can mitigate both emissions and inequality.
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