The intersection of energy and justice: Modeling the spatial, racial/ethnic and socioeconomic patterns of urban residential heating consumption and efficiency in Detroit, Michigan

摘要: Abstract Residential energy conservation and efficiency programs are strategic interventions to reduce consumption increase affordability. However, the inability identify distinguish between high consumers highly inefficient households has led ineffective program targeting. Additionally, little is known about spatial, racial socioeconomic patterns of urban residential efficiency. Publicly available data from U.S. Energy Information Administration Census Bureau used with bottom-up modeling small-area estimation techniques predict mean annual heating use intensity (EUI), an proxy, at census block group level in Detroit (Wayne County), Michigan. Using geographic information systems, results illustrate spatial disparities EUI. Bivariate analysis show no statistical relationship race/ethnicity consumption; however, EUI correlated racial/ethnic makeup; percent White (−0.28), African American (0.24) Hispanic (0.16). Income housing tenure reveal inverse relationships Though areas higher median incomes homeownership exhibited (0.28 0.56, respectively), they had lower EUIs (−0.48 −0.38, respectively). This study provides evidence supporting approaches for targeting that recognizes significance race, ethnicity, place class.