A decision support system for assessing the perception and acceptance of WTs in high-value landscapes: The case of Chianti Classico (Italy)

Abstract

Renewable energies are fundamental to future development. Such technologies reduce air pollution and improve air quality; however, they can generate other types of environmental problems, which must be investigated. The location of structures is one of these problems, which involves visual impacts and is a primary factor affecting public reaction. Our work was concerned with the visual impact and the alterations to the landscape made by wind turbines. The main goal was to establish the factors and attributes of a wind farm that determine the perception and aesthetic preferences of people, with a particular emphasis on representatives of Generation Y. This group was chosen because they represent the most dynamic, innovative, and creative social group. Thus, we proposed some design strategies to reduce the visual impact of wind turbines.

Keywords

• Wind energy
• Eye-tracking
• Environmental trade-offs