Examining energy saving behaviors in student dormitories using an expanded theory of planned behavior

Abstract

Buildings contribute to over one third of global energy-related carbon emissions, on which occupant behavior attains a significant impact. Occupant behavior is influenced by both internal and external factors, such as psychological and social factors, equipment properties. However, there is a marked lack of knowledge about the internal factors that influence occupant behaviors in buildings, in particular student dormitories. This paper aims to investigate energy saving behaviors using student dormitories as the case from a social psychological perspective. First, a theoretical framework was proposed based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) integrated with a new variable “personal moral norm”, to identify significant indicators of energy saving behaviors. Second, a questionnaire was conducted with 290 students to obtain data for model fitting. Third, the proposed framework was tested using two-step Structural Equation Modeling. Results show that students’ energy saving intentions are positively related to their behaviors. Personal moral norm has the greatest impact on energy saving intention, followed by perceived behavioral control and attitude, while the impact of subjective norm is insignificant. The additional variable “personal moral norm” significantly increases the explanation power of the TPB model. Moreover, gender and thermal sensation moderate the impact of energy saving intention on behavior. Finally, energy saving intervention strategies are suggested for student dormitories. The findings contribute to a better understanding of energy use behaviors in student dormitories and add to the existing body of knowledge about social psychological indicators of energy saving behaviors by confirming the role of moral beliefs.