Shaping a Sustainable Future: Luling Huang's Quest for Energy Equity and Behavior Change

Luling Huang, a postdoctoral scholar working with Carnegie Mellon University Libraries and the Scott Institute for Energy Innovation, is immersing himself in the world of energy research with a particular emphasis on disparities in household energy usage and the need for behavior change. In our discussion, he recounted his academic journey, shared valuable insights, and underscored the significance of addressing energy equity.

The Journey into Energy Research
Luling's journey into the realm of energy research is a distinctive one, closely tied to his background in communication studies and a strong inclination toward quantitative methods. When he embarked on his postdoctoral pursuit, he was presented with a range of research avenues in energy for social science. Nevertheless, his compass pointed towards energy access and energy poverty, driven by the desire for tangible, real-world impact. “My fascination with human behavior and change further propelled me in this direction,” said Luling, making it a perfect fit.

He attributed a significant part of his success to his mentor, Dr. Destenie Nock, who provided unwavering support and guidance throughout his postdoctoral odyssey.

Furthermore, this research is part of a shared role with the University Libraries and the Scott Institute. It is integrated with a larger program that was created with the objective of assisting Ph.D. and postdoctoral students in exploring career options beyond conventional research and teaching, something Luling was inclined toward.

The Research Focus: Energy Equity and Behavior Change
Luling's postdoctoral research primarily revolves around two core dimensions: energy equity and behavior change. He strongly advocates that access to energy for heating and cooling should be recognized as a fundamental human right. His current work is centered on indoor temperatures, offering insights into the relationship between energy consumption and income.

Understanding energy-limiting behavior is a topic that Luling’s work specifically focuses on. It is a growth limiter where a household is unable to or not willing to consume a sufficient amount of energy due to financial constraints. Luling’s article found energy-limiting behavior and concludes that the traditional energy burden measure may neglect certain vulnerable households, and there is a pressing need to further support energy home assistance programs to bridge the existing equity gap. These programs are present at the federal and state levels across the country. Assistance is provided through both cash and subsidies on household energy bills. Luling’s work creates a case for a more widespread implementation of these programs.

He mentioned that he regularly seeks advice and insights from within Dr. Nock’s research group
known as the "Society, Policy, Infrastructure, Climate, and Energy (SPICE) Group." This group comprises diverse researchers, led by experts in decision-making, exploring a range of energy consumption facets, including transportation and disparities. An aspect of Luling's role within this group is to assess how effectively researchers manage and share data, a pivotal element in closing the chasm between academic research and practical solutions, as well as advancing open scholarship.

What Lies Ahead?
In the foreseeable future, Luling's research will continue to concentrate on how policymakers can effectively tackle the challenge of energy poverty under the context of energy transition. This will be focused on behavior and belief change through sustained funding to the energy assistance programs and also to encourage the utility providers to identify energy-limiting populations. One of his ongoing projects focuses on how the public values energy-limiting behavior.

Luling is also set to transition into the role of an assistant professor in Media and Communication in January 2024, a move that will further empower him to bridge the gap between research findings and their communication to the general public.

The Role of the Scott Institute for Energy Innovation
The Scott Institute has played a pivotal role in Luling's postdoctoral journey. Besides providing financial support for his research endeavors, the institute displayed openness towards his choice of research topics, enabling him to align his work with his academic background and interests. The serendipitous connection between Dr. Destenie Nock, Luling's mentor, and the Scott Institute led to fruitful collaborations.

Luling was first introduced to Dr. Nock’s research lab through his involvement as a judge in a student poster competition hosted by the Scott Institute in March 2021. This exposure ignited his interest and commitment to making energy research accessible and comprehensible to a broader audience.

Additionally, Luling has made valuable contributions to the institute, including designing the "energy expert finder," a tool that assists individuals in locating researchers working on specific energy-related topics within the institute. He also created a dashboard that aids in understanding the impact of climate change on hydropower in the global south, underlining his dedication to making research findings more tangible and accessible.

Luling Huang's academic journey within the domain of energy research is not merely an account of scholarly pursuit but a testament to the significance of addressing energy equity and behavior change. His work underscores the importance of bridging the gap between academic research and its real-world implications, while his collaboration with the Scott Institute emphasizes the critical role institutions play in supporting innovative research and initiatives. In a world grappling with energy-related challenges, Luling's dedication to comprehending and influencing behavior in energy consumption is a significant stride towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

Luling’s fellowship is made possible in partnership with the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR), with the generous support of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.