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Abstract by the author: One of the major objectives of the European Union by 2030 is to reduce energy consumption at the building level. Aware of this fact, the main goal of this study is to propose some strategies more adapted to the temperate climate aiming to modernize the existing residential districts towards zero energy and low carbon emissions by 2030. A total of 454,994 dwellings (terraced houses; semi-detached houses; detached houses and apartments) were investigated for this purpose. These are spread over 5 provinces in the Walloon region in Belgium and grouped into 5 types of the neighbourhood (isolated rural, peripheral rural, peri-urban, suburban and in urban neighbourhoods). The technique of reducing energy consumption in the buildings studied in this research is centred on the implementation of scenarios related to climate, renovation, transport and renewable energy. In addition, several energy optimization models are being tested for this purpose. The results showed that the objective “near-zero energy neighbourhood” can be achieved in temperate zones. In fact, current energy consumption is reduced up to 91% by simultaneously applying a heavy renovation of residential buildings, renewable energy and green mobility. By applying the heavy renovation (100%) on these residence buildings, the heating energy decreases from 230.6 to 23.7 kWh/m2 in the terraced houses; from 239.7 to 24.6 kWh/m2 in the semi-detached house; and, from 202.1 to 20.8 kWh/m2 in the detached house.
Abstract by the authors: Ongoing climate change and increasing energy consumption are becoming a serious threat to international development efforts. To ensure a secure and sustainable future, local, national and regional authorities, as well as energy companies, need to be involved in improving energy efficiency and promoting rational energy use. The consumer is always at the centre of interest of policy and energy reduction strategies makers. It is their behaviour, motives and beliefs that can lead to optimised and economical energy management. This paper responds to the need to identify the individual preferences of energy consumers. The presented research fills an existing gap in the literature by analysing the strength of the influence of different types of instruments and external stimuli shaping pro-environmental attitudes of consumers of different behavioural types. The analysis presented in this paper is the result of the next stage of the authors’ research on energy consumers modelling, their segmentation and comprehensive characteristics. The analysis was conducted on a representative sample of N = 4332 respondents from 8 European countries (Czech Republic, France, Greece, Spain, Germany, Poland, Romania, and the United Kingdom). The study used multivariate statistical methods, such as: Correspondence Analysis, Factor Analysis and Kruskal-Wallis test. These methods are adequate to the assumptions of the research procedure and allowed for the identification of 4 latent factors that link the incentives into groups, where the motivation to save energy is based on: information (“Information and Knowledge”), social norms (“Social Influence”), investment funding (“Investments”) and energy price changes (“Energy Price”). In addition, the level of effectiveness of the studied incentives and motivators depends on the behavioural type of energy consumers and increases with rising levels of their intrinsic pro-environmental motivation.
Abstract by the authors: Campaigns aiming to induce energy saving behaviour among householders use a wide range of approaches that address many different drivers thought to underpin this behaviour. However, little research has compared the influence of the different processes that influence energy behaviour, meaning campaigns are not informed about where best to focus resources. Therefore, this study applies the Comprehensive Action Determination Model (CADM) to investigate the relative influence of intentional, normative, situational and habitual processes on energy saving behaviour. An online survey on a sample of Western European households (N = 247) measured the CADM variables and data were analysed using structural equation modelling. Results showed that 1) the model was able to account for a large amount of variance in energy saving behaviour and 2) situational and habitual processes were best able to account for energy saving behaviour while normative and intentional processes had little predictive power. These findings suggest that policy makers should move away from motivating householders to save energy and should instead focus their efforts on changing energy habits and creating environments that facilitate energy saving behaviour. These findings add to the wider development in social and environmental psychology that emphasizes the importance of extra-personal variables in shaping behaviour.
Abstract by the authors: We study at the individual level the connection between actions to reduce energy consumption and beliefs about the personal responsibility for climate change mitigation. Also examined is the role of human values and differences between countries in shaping beliefs and actions. Using data from 23 (mostly) European countries, we find large heterogeneity in both beliefs and actions, with wealthy countries more likely to be concerned about the environment. Personal responsibility and efforts to save energy are positively but weakly related. Regarding human values, self-transcendence and openness are positively associated with responsibility, while self-enhancement and conservation are negatively correlated. Values are less connected to energy saving, with a relationship that is positive with conservation and negative with self-enhancement.
Abstract by the authors: Despite a common EU directive on energy efficiency in residential buildings, levels of energy efficiency differ across European countries. This article analyses these differences and investigates the effectiveness of different energy efficiency policies in place in those countries. We firstly use panel data methods to explain average yearly energy consumption per dwelling and country by observable characteristics such as climatic conditions, energy prices, income, and floor area. We then use the unexplained variation by sorting between-country differences as well as plotting within-country changes over time to identify better performing countries. These countries are analysed qualitatively in a second step. We conduct expert interviews and examine the legal rules regarding building energy efficiency. Based on our exploratory analysis we draw a number of preliminary conclusions. First, we suggest that regulatory standards, in conjunction with increased construction activity, can be effective in the long run. Second, the results suggest that carbon taxation represents an effective means for energy efficiency. In this regard, the scope of the carbon tax plays a crucial role. We find evidence that a tax of 30 € and a tax of 120 € per ton of CO2 cause markedly different reductions in energy consumption.
Abstract by the authors: This paper presents findings from the eTEACHER project which aims to empower building energy end-users to reduce energy consumption through a set of related ICT-based interventions. These interventions, including a web-based app and building-specific ‘what-if’ analysis have been developed by drawing upon feedback from pilot users in 12 buildings, including both residential and non-domestic, across three EU countries. A structured evidence-based approach to user engagement was followed, which included site visits, a series of building user workshops and a questionnaire. The paper reflects on the challenges and benefits of empowering and engaging building users across a wide range of building types, residential, offices, schools and health care centres using a single app. Our findings show common challenges across building types in tackling existing inefficient energy behaviours. However significant hurdles were encountered in implementing the ICT-based interventions, which are building specific. Based upon this, recommendations on how engagement processes can support the development of ICT-based interventions are put forward.
Abstract by the authors: Buildings are part of an energy-intensive industry responsible for a remarkable amount of the greenhouse emissions, therefore the European Union has launched in the last years an ambitious strategy to decarbonize buildings. Nevertheless, transnational policies based on technological upgrade might not be always effective, as in the case of Europe, Northern and Southern countries face very different socioeconomic situations; conversely, policies seeking new ways of doing can be applied to overcome this technological gap. This research explores the applicability of two standards for thermal comfort, namely, ASHRAE 55–2017 and EN 16798–1:2019, to devise strategies aimed at reducing the energy consumption for heating and cooling in the European building sector, specifically focusing on the Mediterranean area. The climate of 32,564 locations has been analysed to assess the potential of applicability of these two standards, as well as natural ventilation and adaptive setpoint temperatures to reduce the energy demand of buildings. As a consequence, these standards may build a valid theoretical foundation for a European policy aimed at improving the energy efficiency in the building sector, which should be implemented on a regional scale, and on a climate-basis.
Abstract by the authors: The building sector constitutes one of the largest energy consumers in the European Union and apparently in Greece. The construction history in Greece appears a unique profile that needs to be thoroughly examined in order to evaluate the current built environment and the distinctive characteristics of the buildings. The majority of the building stock is more than 30 years old with insufficient thermal protection, thus space heating is the major energy-consuming activity. A number of programs, initiatives and actions were raised to serve the need of energy saving in both public and private sectors. In this study, an overview of the program entitled Energy Refurbishment of Residences (in Greek Exoikonomisi Kat’ Oikon) is presented, along with a review and assessment of its results. The conclusions are critically useful in order to trace the possible weaknesses and improve, wherever this is possible, the program, given that a follow-up action is planned in the near future.
Abstract by the authors: We tested the influence of a private commitment strategy, in which people pledge to change their behaviour, on energy saving behaviour. We found that the private commitment only influenced energy saving behaviour when the behaviour was perceived to be relatively effortful. When people found it easy to engage in the behaviour, the private commitment did not promote energy saving behaviour. Importantly, we tested the underlying mechanism why private commitments may influence energy saving in households. Our results show that when behaviours are perceived to be relatively effortful, the private commitment strengthened people's personal norm to engage in the behaviour. That is, after making a private commitment they felt more morally obliged to engage in the behaviour they committed to. In turn, a stronger personal norm was positively related to energy saving behaviour. People's injunctive norms and environmental self-identity did not explain why making a private commitment changed energy saving behaviour when this behaviour is perceived to be relatively effortful. Our findings contribute to the literature by providing more insight into why and under which circumstances private commitments may influence behaviour. Our results suggest that only when people find the behaviour somewhat effortful a private commitment may increase their personal norm to engage in the behaviour, thereby making it more likely that they actually do so.
Abstract by the authors: Social housing residents are vulnerable to rising energy costs. Reductions in energy use through behaviour change may be part of the solution but require an insight into the factors that relate to energy saving behaviour in this context. This paper responds to recent calls for an integrated approach to studying energy saving behaviours, investigating psychological (i.e. attitudes; perceived behavioural control; subjective norms), contextual (i.e. dwelling energy efficiency; problems with condensation, damp and mould), and socio-demographic factors (i.e. gender; age) together. Data was collected using a cross-sectional survey among social housing residents in South-West England. Dwelling characteristics were not found to add to explaining heating related and other energy saving behaviours beyond well-known psychological and socio-demographic factors. The results did suggest that the presence of condensation, damp and mould was associated with more frequent heating-related energy saving behaviours, but not other energy saving behaviours. Furthermore, a moderation effect was found whereby subjective norms appeared to relate more strongly to heating-related energy saving behaviours when people live in energy efficient homes. The study illustrates the value of an integrated approach in understanding the complex interactions between contextual factors, psychological factors and energy saving behaviour and offers opportunities for future research.
Abstract by the authors: We examine whether industries save electricity per unit of output when electricity prices rise. This is of interest for policy makers considering changing tariffs on industrial electricity consumption. Previous studies use national or sector-level data offering limited information about how individual industries are affected, which is needed for better targeting policies. Using Danish time-series data (1966–2015), we therefore analyze industries at a detailed level. In particular, for each of 99 industries, we use Autometrics to find a well-specified partial VAR model for the intensities of electricity and other energy (an aggregate of oil, coal, gas, district heating and biomass). The model allows for cointegration and is conditional on energy prices and heating degree days. We find that, 15 industries (26% of total industrial electricity use in 2015), save electricity (per unit of output) when this becomes more expensive. For another 18 industries (10%), both electricity and other energy are saved when electricity prices increase. Finally, there are only 4 industries (3%), for which the savings on electricity are compensated by an increase in other energy.
Abstract by the author: Despite several financial aids intended to promote the energy transition, the French people continue to buy energy-intensive products and are not interested in improving the energy performance of their homes. We propose a new measure which consists of provision of information to change individual behaviour. Currently, health and the environment are the prime concerns and we propose to encourage individuals to reduce their energy consumption by informing them of the environmental and health consequences linked to energy consumption. To test the validity of our proposal, we use the willingness to pay for more energy efficient equipment and thermal insulation. We conducted an online survey which included messages on the link between environment-energy and health-energy. We showed that it affected households’ energy behaviour. We compared this strategy with policies already in place. We found that policies that combined provision of information with a subsidy, increase sales of goods that reduce energy consumption and was the best option from a social welfare perspective.
Abstract by the authors: Progress on improving energy efficiency of UK homes has stalled in recent years and the question arises how much more potential for further energy savings exist across the housing stock. Whilst there are some high-level estimates of the potential for buildings energy efficiency in the UK, a more granular assessment is needed to understand exactly where this potential lies and what form it takes. Our analysis fills this gap. It is based on the best available evidence on the remaining potential for energy efficiency improvements within UK residential buildings. Using UK government criteria for investment appraisal, we demonstrate that there is a significant resource of untapped energy-saving opportunities in UK homes. Specifically, our estimates suggest that: one quarter of the energy currently used in UK households could be cost effectively saved by 2035; and this could increase to one half if allowance is made for falling technology costs and the wider benefits of energy efficiency improvements. However, these estimates are sensitive to the assumptions made about capital, energy and carbon costs, and capturing this potential will require both significant policy change and large-scale investment.
Abstract by the authors: In this paper, we compare the total energy consumption of households living in green certified buildings with households living in conventional buildings based on the example of the Swiss Minergie label. For this purpose, we estimate an econometric total energy demand model using a panel data set comprised of around 1500 households observed over the years 2010–2015. The empirical analysis provides suggestive evidence that households living in green certified buildings save approximately 25% of total energy. The estimated energy savings are lower than predicted by engineering-based bottom-up models that are not considering energy consumption behavioral factors. Nevertheless, our result suggests that savings in energy use and associated emissions of greenhouse gases (and other pollutants) may benefit from energy policy measures such as public information campaigns or subsidies that promote the construction of green certified buildings. Furthermore, since policy scenarios are usually based on ex-ante energy reduction projections, it is important to consider that the energy savings predicted tend, at least for the building sector, to be higher than they actually are. This difference may therefore impact the scenarios and thus the energy policy measures to be implemented.
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