Energy and resource-saving behaviours in European Union countries: The Campbell paradigm and goal framing theory approaches

Abstract

The promotion of energy and resource-saving behaviour is one of the primary tools to enhance the reduction of resource consumption and seeking energy and resource efficiency. The aim of this study was, referring to the Campbell paradigm and goal framing theory, to analyse the main determinants of different types of energy and resource-saving behaviours in the European Union (EU) countries. Therefore, it was analysed whether environmental and health concerns and environmental responsibility equally influenced pro-environmental behaviours and whether all types of behaviours related to energy and resource-saving were guided by the same goals. The results showed that the performance of energy and resource-saving behaviours varied across European countries, and in separate EU countries, people were more willing to perform different types of behaviour. Furthermore, respondents who were more concerned about environmental issues and health and were more environmentally responsible tended to perform a variety of actions related to energy and resource-saving. Considering separate behaviours related to energy and resource-saving, environmental responsibility significantly and positively influenced all behaviours. Environmental concern significantly and positively determined all types of behaviours except water-saving behaviour. Health concerns significantly and positively influenced only the avoidance of buying over-packaged products. The analysis of relationships among separate behaviours revealed that behaviours related to energy and resource-saving were guided by different goals and the cost of these behaviours were different. Thus, policymakers should consider these goals to promote energy and resource-saving behaviour in the household sector.