The thesis, Understanding households’ transitions to sustainable energy practices: A level playing field or a pipe dream?, explores how social class shapes households’ ability to participate in the energy transition. Based on interviews with households from different social backgrounds in the Greater Oslo region, the research shows that expectations of “active” and sustainable energy use play out very differently across society.

While resource-rich households are better positioned to invest in technologies such as heat pumps, solar panels and smart home solutions, households with fewer resources often contribute through reduced consumption and everyday adjustments. These efforts tend to be less visible and less valued in current energy policy, which may reinforce existing inequalities rather than reduce them.

The dissertation raises important questions about energy justice and argues for policies that better recognise social differences in how households experience and respond to the energy transition.

The defence will take place at Auditorium 3, Eilert Sundt’s Building, from 10:30 to 13:00.
The trial lecture will be held the same day at 09:15.

Supervisors are Magne Flemmen (University of Oslo) and Tor Håkon Jackson Inderberg (Fridtjof Nansens Institute).

We congratulate Eivind and wish him the very best of luck on the day of the defence.