Energy saving practices, barriers against and reasons for change among social housing tenants

Huebner, Gesche M., Cooper, Justine and Jones, Keith (2011) Energy saving practices, barriers against and reasons for change among social housing tenants. In: Proceedings of the research students conference on "Buildings don't use energy, people do?" - domestic energy use and CO2 emissions in existing dwellings, 28 June 2011 Bath. Bath: EDEn, University of Bath. Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Bath, Bath, UK.

PDF Restricted to Repository staff only Download (250kB)

Abstract

The poster shows results of a survey on energy saving practices, perceived barriers to and motivation for change. This knowledge is essential in designing adequate behaviour-focused interventions to save energy. Social housing tenants constitute an important target group as they are more likely to suffer from fuel poverty, and have little control over stock condition. Tenants report engagement in energy-saving behaviours, and willingness to engage in energy-saving practices. Perceived barriers to change are mainly having an established habit of behaviour and a lack of knowledge. Money was not reported as a stronger motivator for saving energy than protecting the environment or securing a liveable planet for future generations. Replacing habits and providing more information on energy saving are thus important steps towards lower energy consumption. Analysis of stock condition and of actual consumption needs to show if reduction via behaviour change are possible.

Actions (login required)