Energy saving behaviours: Development of a practice-based model

Financial pressure and concern for the environment has meant many consumers are aware of the need to reduce their consumption of many resources, including energy, which is the focus of the present study. While potential energy use deterrents in the form of access constraints and price increases are...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Energy policy 2013-10, Vol.61, p.371-381
Main Authors: Sweeney, Jillian C., Kresling, Johannes, Webb, Dave, Soutar, Geoffrey N., Mazzarol, Tim
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Consumer behavior
Consumers
Consumption
Economic data
Electric energy
Energy
Energy conservation
Energy consumption
Energy cultures framework
Energy economics
Energy policy
Energy resources
Energy saving behaviours
Environmental impact
Exact sciences and technology
Focus groups
General, economic and professional studies
issues and policy
Methodology. Modelling
motivation
people
Prices
Saving
Studies
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Summary:Financial pressure and concern for the environment has meant many consumers are aware of the need to reduce their consumption of many resources, including energy, which is the focus of the present study. While potential energy use deterrents in the form of access constraints and price increases are forms of extrinsic control, it is not clear how effective these are at reducing consumption and, indeed, it is not clear if such measures are consistent with people's underlying energy saving motivations. Beyond behavioural motivations, people's desires to reduce energy can be thwarted (barriers) and/or supported by a variety of factors, some within their control, while others are perhaps less so. Using a practice-based framework and a qualitative focus group approach, this study presents an exploratory study of these issues. Policy suggestions for overcoming barriers, as well suggestions as to how energy saving behaviours can be supported are offered. •We obtained consumers views about energy saving motivations, barriers and support.•Attitudes towards energy saving are not sufficient to change behaviours.•A practice-based approach to understanding energy saving behaviours is applied.•A practice-based energy-cultures framework (PBECF) is developed.•Barriers and support factors are identified that can be conceptualised within a PBECF.
ISSN:0301-4215
1873-6777
DOI:10.1016/j.enpol.2013.06.121