Do social capital and housing-related lifestyle foster energy-efficient retrofits? Retrospective panel data evidence from Slovenia

Abstract

This article explores the role of social capital and housing-related lifestyle in fostering energy-efficient retrofits and sheds additional light on potential barriers and drivers to energy-efficient retrofits in households. Using data from an online survey conducted in August 2020, a retrospective panel data set comprised of 2537 households from the EU member state of Slovenia is constructed. The results of discrete choice models with random effects show that high income levels, the respondent’s age, the age of the dwelling, previously performed retrofits, and the availability of subsidies are drivers, while high regional temperatures and negative GDP growth are barriers to energy-efficient retrofits. We find that social capital and housing-related lifestyle are also important determinants of energy-efficient retrofits. Certain dimensions of housing-related lifestyle, such as energy-saving behavior and a proclivity for ‘do-it-yourself’ home maintenance and repairs, act as drivers of energy-efficient retrofits. The same is true for variables related to social capital, namely, ease of agreement among residents and the formal organization of the building. A policy mix of further education and information campaigns, subsidies, and measures that affect the formal organization of the building and promote community building is required to address the various barriers to energy-efficient retrofits.