Energy Efficiency and the Domestic Consumer

Abstract

Domestic energy consumption represents a sizable proportion of total energy delivered in the U.K. The major source of variance between households lies in the behaviour of the occupants rather than the physical parameters of the buildings. The behaviour of the consumer, and particularly its cognitive aspects, needs to be understood. Simply attempting to change attitudes is not sufficient; if a person is motivated to save energy/money he still needs to know how this can be acheived. More efficient use of energy will follow from human factors studies that lead to the redesign of controls, tariffs, bills. These issues will become more, not less, acute with the advent of new technology in energy controls and metering.