MICARES seeks to lay the foundation for a new field of study—Socio-Technological System Transitions—by exploring the social, cultural and technological dimensions of energy system transitions at the household, community, and regional levels.
The model framework is based on four questions:
- What do we care about?
- What do we know?
- What is possible?
- What should we do about it together?
What do we care about?
At MICARES we examine the values of the local communities and cultures prior to working on energy infrastructure plans.
Learn more about how community values should facilitate your discussions.
What do we know?
How do I reduce energy consumption and costs in my home? What are the best energy infrastructure options for our community?
Learn more about options for energy infrastructure including renewables.
What is possible?
How do you facilitate a community discussion on energy infrastructure? Should you bring in UPPCO or an energy guru? Or both?
Learn how to explore energy infrastructure at the community level.
What should we do about it together?
What is the business and funding model for implementing energy plans at the infrastructure level? Should we take out a loan or pass a millage?
Learn how to improve existing, or create new, energy infrastructure.
Understanding transitions to renewable energy systems in eight Michigan communities requires converging expertise and lived experiences.
Meet the MICARES team and learn about their expertise and areas of interest