energy and shelter
(Imminent Dr) J Love wrote a nice reflective post about her observations about the connections between energy and housing. Since an invitation to comment was made, here goes!
Energy use factors in buildings. It is surprising to claim insufficient studies on energy usage within buildings. The Carbon Trust (do they still exist, post-austerity? ;) ) used to publish "best practice" guides which used to contain benchmark data; presumably measurements were made in order to determine these reference parameters? Similarly, surely the Building Research Establishment has conducted extensive measurements on buildings?
Yes, the eternal debate about disciplinary boundaries, particularly between natural and social sciences. Well, there's a reason that economics is rightfully dismissed as the "dismal science". Hence the commentary about behaviour change with respect to energy consumption. Science researchers have often not got involved in research in which humans are the main object of focus, which is probably why "feedback" effects are subsequently ignored and is an essential component of energy consumption (energy supply to a lesser extent, also).
It could be argued that the continued failure at true intra-disciplinary research within the energy sector is the reason for the absence of a more integrated policy regarding (alleged) climate change, environmental management and human health. "Warmth" policy should really not exist and instead by incorporated into existing health policies; many diseases/illnesses are exacerbated by poor living conditions (too cold, too hot, etc.) that are affected to energy supply infrastructure. To paraphrase, (unproven) climate change should not take priority over short-term environmental management (e.g. air-bourne pollution), the latter has a far greater impact upon human health and overall sustainability. For example, coal-power generation with air pollution control devices to control emissions of mercury, fly ash, nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides is more important than diverting resources to bury CO₂ under so-called carbon capture and storage.
So, whatever next JL, good luck!