Why don't people weatherize their homes? An ethnographic solution (original) (raw)
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2018
The Effects of Behavioral Determinants and Sociodemographic Factors on Homeowners’ Intent to Conserve Energy by Sallieu M. Jalloh MA, New Jersey City University, 2010 BS, Fourah Bay College: University of Sierra Leone, 2003 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University February 2018 Abstract Greenhouse gas emissions are caused, in part, by human activities. However, consumers may assume that the burden of environmental problems, such as carbon emissions reduction through sustainable energy practices, should be borne by the entire society. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to test whether behavioral determinants and demographic factors could influence homeowners’ intent to conserve energy. Empirical data were collected from 436 sampled homeowners in the Northeast region of the United States using an online survey questionnaire. The survey instrument was adapted fr...
2018
Greenhouse gas emissions are caused, in part, by human activities. However, consumers may assume that the burden of environmental problems, such as carbon emissions reduction through sustainable energy practices, should be borne by the entire society. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to test whether behavioral determinants and demographic factors could influence homeowners\u27 intent to conserve energy. Empirical data were collected from 436 sampled homeowners in the Northeast region of the United States using an online survey questionnaire. The survey instrument was adapted from Ajzen\u27s theory of planned behavior instrument. Variables aligned with the theory of planned behavior, alongside sociodemographic factors, were used to explain any impact the predictors had on the outcome. A multiple ordinary least squares regression model was used to answer the 3 research questions. According to the study findings, the most significant positive relationship was found between...
Non-technical Aspects of Household Energy Reductions
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Domestic energy forms a significant part of total energy use in OECD countries, accounting for 22% in the US in 2011. Together with private travel, domestic energy reductions are one of the few ways that households can directly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Although domestic energy costs form a minor part of average household expenditure, the unit costs for domestic electricity and natural gas vary by a factor of four and five respectively among OECD countries, and per capita use is strongly influenced by these costs. Other influences on domestic energy use are household income, household size, residence type (apartment/flat vs detatched house) and regional climate. Numerous campaigns have been carried out in various countries to reduce household energy use. A large literature has analyzed both the results of these studies and the general psychology of pro-environmental behavior, yet the findings often seem to conflict with the national statistical data. We argue that the rising frequency of extreme weather events (especially heat waves, storms and floods) together with sea level rises, are likely to be key factors in getting both the public and policy makers to treat global climate change as a matter of urgency. Costs of domestic energy are likely to rise in future, possibly because of carbon taxes. But such taxes will need to be supplemented by other policies that not only encourage the use of more efficient energy consuming appliances, but also unambiguously support energy and emissions reductions in all sectors.
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The energy consumed by households for space heating and cooling, water heating, cooking and running appliances is a major component of national final energy use. Along with private transport, it is the only energy use (and corresponding greenhouse gas emissions) directly under householders' control. Accordingly, many researchers have examined ways of reducing household energy use, using either monetary or non-monetary measures. We find that although case studies suggest only a limited role for energy pricing, our comparative study of domestic energy use by different nations suggests otherwise. Energy researchers have also examined various social science approaches, but again their effectiveness in case studies is limited. We argue, however, that householders, taking their cue from political leaders, do not presently take climate change very seriously. This attitude could well change over the next decade or so, and with it the scope for non-monetary approaches to energy and thus carbon reductions.
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