Analysis of social inequality factors in implementation of building energy conservation policies using Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process Methodology

Abstract

Because residential buildings consume significant reserves of energy, they are among the largest contributors to climate change. Carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from buildings have negatively impacted the environment.  In response, institutions around the globe have issued policies and regulations to minimize climate change problems, and while these policies have succeeded to some extent, additional factors are present that need greater attention. Among these additional factors are social inequality and environmental injustice in society, both of which must be analysed thoroughly before solutions can be suggested. This research work seeks to examine these factors and their effects; we analyse the factors that cause social inequality and injustice and we correlate those factors to the implementation of energy policies. We then pursue how these actions have consequences in civil society. Results show that some 15 social inequality factors are omnipresent, but the top three include: i) the limited participation of women in environmental campaigns, ii) variances in the adoption of building energy regulations across the globe, and iii) ethnic/racial discrimination with regard to how environmental safety is prioritized. We analyse these factors through the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy methodology, and our results are statistically validated through sensitivity analysis and a consistency check.