Stakeholders’ Perceptions of the Possible Energy Sustainability Solutions in the Hotels of the Canary Islands

Abstract

Energy production and consumption represent the most significant sources of CO2 emissions in the world. An isolated island scenario such as the case of the Canary Islands, where dependence on fossil fuels is almost complete needs an effective integrative strategy for energy efficiency in order to reduce the carbon footprint. The objective of our work is to propose an effective design for an integrative and sustainable energy transition strategy in the hotel sector of the Islands. To achieve this, we implement a qualitative/quantitative technique called Q methodology. Our study was conducted with a carefully selected group of 31 experts from diverse areas related to the energy sector who were asked to rank-order their degree of agreement or disagreement with 30 key energy discourses (statements). The results of our analysis identify four profiles of stakeholders’ mindsets: the “Low-carbon”, the “Techies”, the “Skeptics”, and the “Trusting”. A well-defined integrative strategy could be identified which includes self-consumption using renewable energies, simplification of the administrative procedures, and promotion of the use of heat pumps, among others. A further interesting consensus result among all four groups reveals experts’ uncertainty regarding the post-COVID-19 reality.