Title: Engaging ordinary people in sustainability transition: introducing elasticity and plasticity model for social change

Authors: Halima Abu Haneya; Ahmed Abu Hanieh

Addresses: Faculty of Gradualte Studies, Birzeit University, Palestine ' Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Department, Birzeit University, Palestine

Abstract: Joining between engineering and social sciences approaches, this paper introduces a model for social change, based on concepts of elasticity and plasticity of sustainability behaviour to engage the public in sustainability transition and achieve a better quality of life. The paper discusses how successful transition to renewable energy (RE) system can impact individual's quality of life and social development, and how to encourage ordinary people to engage in energy transition through daily sustainability behaviour. The paper also discusses the social strategies that lead community to sustainability, the RE indicators and the impact of RE on social behaviour. Eventually, some actions are suggested as solutions if applied can drive the society to the appropriate sustainability level. The focus area is Palestine, but the model can apply elsewhere. The data used were both primary and secondary data.

Keywords: renewable energy; RE; elasticity; plasticity; sustainability behaviour; social change; sustainability societal transition; sustainable social change.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2025.145603

International Journal of Sustainable Society, 2025 Vol.17 No.1, pp.50 - 70

Received: 24 May 2022
Accepted: 23 Nov 2022
Published online: 09 Apr 2025 *

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