Do environmental concern and future orientation predict metered household electricity use?

Abstract

Do individuals' environmental attitudes and future orientation predict actual energy consumption? Little is known about the answer to this fundamental question because previous research has relied on self-reported behaviour, which might be prone to social desirability. Therefore, the present study combines survey data with metered data on actual electricity use. Environmental concern is measured by attitudinal items, future orientation by a short version of the Consideration of Future Consequences (CFC) scale as well as a behaviour-based subjective discount rate. Results did not reveal any direct correlations between discount rates and electricity use but mediation analyses suggested small indirect effects. Environmental concern and CFC, however, was positively and considerably related to electricity use. Furthermore, there was a large gender difference, with women using about 23% less electricity than men. This study provides evidence that households' environmental attitudes and future orientation are correlated with actual energy consumption levels, and thus lends support to corresponding educational programmes.