A determination of the attitudes towards energy use and conservation of users (homeowners) and providers (housebuilders) of domestic dwellings and their influence upon C02 emissions

Pyle, Joanne Marie (2001) A determination of the attitudes towards energy use and conservation of users (homeowners) and providers (housebuilders) of domestic dwellings and their influence upon C02 emissions. PhD thesis, University of Greenwich.

Abstract

The research aim was to determine whether the attitudes of users (homeowners) and providers (housebuilders) are conducive to a reduction in CO2 emissions from domestic dwellings. The study undertook a large-scale survey of users (homeowners attitudes towards energy use and conservation. The research concluded that users (homeowners) attitudes are not conducive to a reduction in CO2 emissions.

Results of the study established the existence of a link between the attitudes of users (homeowners) towards energy conservation and CO2 emissions. The study identified that users (homeowners) attitudes towards energy use and conservation are not the homogeneous. A premise that the Government had always assumed. More specifically, three distinguishable groups of users were identified; the elderly, the income sensitive and the ambivalent. The study identified that the knowledge levels and awareness of users (homeowners) towards energy is low, despite two decades of cognitive information campaigns regarding energy conservation from the Government. The study also determined that previous government campaigns to reduce energy use have been largely ineffective, their effects at best, transitory. Finally, the study identified that maintenance of comfort is the most significant factor in the use of energy by users (homeowners).

The research concluded that providers (housebuilders) attitudes are not conducive to a reduction in CO2 emissions. The results show that providers are exceptionally attuned to their market and respond only to commercial demands and legislation. Providers do not consider energy efficiency to be an important issue in new homes. No market exists for energy efficiency in housing. Users will not pay a premium for energy measures in housing.

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