Graduation Semester and Year

2007

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of City and Regional Planning

Department

Urban and Public Affairs

First Advisor

Jeff Howard

Abstract

This thesis explores the possibility that experience with green buildings influences peoples' behavior in ways that help bridge the gap between, on one hand, public concern for the natural environment and on the other hand, willingness to adopt sustainable lifestyles and support pro-environmental policies. The study utilizes research on factors that influence behavior to construct a theoretical model in which these factors might be influenced by a person's experience in a green building. The study explores two specific possibilities of behavioral change: people may change their consumption habits to reflect a more sustainable lifestyle; people may change their political behavior to support policies that foster a sustainably built environment or even stricter environmental protection. The study includes a methodological exploration of how surveys could be used to explore the relationship between green buildings and peoples' behavior. It presents data from a pilot survey completed by 33 employees working in LEED-certified buildings in and around Dallas, Texas. The study concludes with recommendations for a more-thorough survey and other research to further develop the theoretical model.

Disciplines

Public Affairs | Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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