An adopter-centric approach to analyze the diffusion patterns of innovative residential heating systems in Sweden

Mahapatra, Krushna; Gustavsson, Leif

doi:10.1016/j.enpol.2007.10.006

Cited by 187 publications

(117 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…Older household heads may be less likely to adopt energy efficient technologies because the expected rate of return is lower than for households with younger heads. This line of reasoning is supported by the findings of Curtis et al (1984), Walsh (1989), Poortinga et al (2003) and Mahapatra and Gustavsson (2008). On the other hand, younger households may be more likely to move and hence be less inclined to invest in energy efficiency improvements, in particular if these measures become an integral part of the built environment.…”

Section: Age and Household Compositionsupporting

confidence: 67%

Residential energy-efficient technology adoption, energy conservation, knowledge, and attitudes: An analysis of European countries

2012

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Abstract:Relationships between a number of measures of household energy use behavior are estimated using a unique dataset of approximately 5,000 households in ten EU countries and Norway. Knowledge of energy consumption and energy-efficient technology options is found to be associated with household use of energy conservation practices, but not with adoption of energy-efficient technologies. Household characteristics also influence household energy use behavior. Younger household cohorts are more likely to adopt energy-efficient technologies and energy conservation practices and place primary importance on energy savings for environmental reasons, while households with a high share of elderly members place more importance on financial savings. Education also influences attitudes towards energy conservation. Low education households indicate they primarily save electricity for financial reasons, while high education households indicated they are motivated by environmental concerns. Significant country differences also exist. Households in transitioning Eastern European countries generally have lower levels of energy-efficient technology adoption, but strong propensities to employ energyconservation practices, and place less importance on saving electricity for environmental reasons compared to households in Western European countries. EU policies to promote residential adoption of energy-efficient technologies and energy conservation practices must be sensitive to both cross-country and intra-county variations in household energy use behavior.

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Section: Age and Household Compositionsupporting

confidence: 67%

Residential energy-efficient technology adoption, energy conservation, knowledge, and attitudes: An analysis of European countries

2012

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“…The public use microdata file that was used in this analysis did not specify the types of dwelling changes that households could make after conducting an energy audit; however, we believe that it is safe to assume that some of these changes would be less difficult and less involved, such as caulking or weather stripping, and some of the changes would be more difficult and more involved, such as installing new heating systems. Although Ameli and Brandt (2015) found that the probability of investment in heat thermostats, thermal insulation, and energy-efficient windows increases with age, they and others confirm that the probability of investing declines with age for more innovative changes (Ameli & Brandt, 2015;Mahapatra & Gustavsson, 2008). Even more, research demonstrates that households with older members demonstrate preference for older style heating systems (Michelsen & Madlener, 2012).…”

Section: Lightsmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…With respect to their technology index, the authors found a distinct pattern for age and household composition; households composed of middle age adults (persons between 19 and 65 years of age) with young children were linked to higher rates of technology adoption whereas households composed of persons 65 years of age and older were linked to lower rates of technology adoption (Mills & Schleich, 2012). Similarly, in their study examining the adoption of innovative heating systems, Mahapatra and Gustavsson (2008) found that plans to install new heating systems decreased as homeowner age increased. Using a discrete choice model for examining the determinants of residential heating systems, Michelsen and Madlener (2012) found some evidence of older homeowners preferring older types of heating systems, such as oil-fired systems, while younger homeowners were found to be more open to newer types of heating systems, such as heat pumps.…”

Section: Age and Household Compositionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Demographic determinants of Canada’s households’ adoption of energy efficiency measures: observations from the Households and Environment Survey, 2013

2017

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In addition to a growing and aging population, Canada has experienced large shifts in its residential sector. There are more households, homes are larger with less people in them, and there are more appliances per household, all of which contribute to increased energy consumption. The present work explores the demographic determinants of residential energy efficiency adoption using the 2013 Households and Environment Survey. With binary logistic regressions, we predicted the odds of households adopting three energy-efficient actions: energy-saving lights, programmable thermostats, and changes to a dwelling following an energy audit. Although it was found that Canadian households are participating in energy efficiency, not all groups are participating equally. Similar to previous research, seniors appear to be more inclined to adopt less challenging measures such as energy-saving lights, as opposed to more intensive dwelling upgrades. Additionally, levels of education and income were positively related to the adoption of energy efficiency measures. However, the results showed household income to be less of a contributing factor for decisions regarding dwelling changes compared to the financial incentives offered via government grants. The results suggest a need to increase energy efficiency education and to continue offering financial incentives as the country increases its residential energy efficiency.

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“…Some researchers have also applied Hägerstrand's [29,30] time-geographic approach to study household energy-related activities [31,32]; and Schatzki's [33] practice theory to study the unconscious habits and technological structures that influence residential energy consumption [34,35]. Rogers' [36,37] diffusion of innovations theory has also been used to explain consumers' decision-making and behavior in the context of residential energy consumption, specifically in terms of the adoption of energy-saving practices and products [38][39][40][41][42].…”

Section: Theoretical Background: Conceptualizing Energy Consumption Amentioning

confidence: 99%

The Socio-Demographic and Psychological Predictors of Residential Energy Consumption: A Comprehensive Review

2015

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Abstract:This article provides a comprehensive review of theory and research on the individual-level predictors of household energy usage. Drawing on literature from across the social sciences, we examine two broad categories of variables that have been identified as potentially important for explaining variability in energy consumption and conservation: socio-demographic factors (e.g., income, employment status, dwelling type/size, home ownership, household size, stage of family life cycle) and psychological factors (e.g., beliefs and attitudes, motives and intentions, perceived behavioral control, cost-benefit appraisals, personal and social norms). Despite an expanding literature, we find that empirical evidence of the impact of these variables has been far from consistent and conclusive to date. Such inconsistency poses challenges for drawing generalizable conclusions, and underscores the complexity of consumer behavior in this domain. In this article, we propose that a multitude of factors-whether directly, indirectly, or in interaction-influence how householders consume and conserve energy. Theory, research and practice can be greatly advanced by understanding what these factors are, and how, when, where, why and for whom they operate. We conclude by outlining some important practical implications for policymakers and directions for future research.

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An adopter-centric approach to analyze the diffusion patterns of innovative residential heating systems in Sweden

Cited by 187 publications

References 6 publications

Residential energy-efficient technology adoption, energy conservation, knowledge, and attitudes: An analysis of European countries

Residential energy-efficient technology adoption, energy conservation, knowledge, and attitudes: An analysis of European countries

Demographic determinants of Canada’s households’ adoption of energy efficiency measures: observations from the Households and Environment Survey, 2013

The Socio-Demographic and Psychological Predictors of Residential Energy Consumption: A Comprehensive Review

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