Abstract
We examine the motivations behind the electrical energy conservation and smart management at households to verify whether we are observing an ecological breakthrough, or a mere continuation of the well-trodden consumption-growth path. We conducted an online survey in France, Spain, Italy, and Denmark (n = 3200) on the subject of electricity use and generation. We utilized a generalized structural equation model to simultaneously test the direct reasons behind different energy-use behaviors and intentions, as well as their motivating factors. Measures to conserve electrical energy and install renewable energy equipment are not solely driven by ecological concerns; a crucial role is played by openness to new technologies, which correlates with high financial status. Saving electrical energy and new-tech eagerness go hand-in-hand with attachment to consumption and comfort. Social environment is relevant, as it allows users to converse about electricity saving with friends, and to observe their habits. Individuals may aim not to consume less energy, but to enhance their standards of living by economizing energy to fund other purchases, which limits the reduction in carbon footprint. Increasing the popularity of energy-saving solutions, therefore, might prove insufficient in the face of environmental threats and the challenges of transforming the energy market.
Highlights
The importance of energy efficiency rises with time
There is a threat that the availability of fossil fuels may begin to decline rapidly in the coming decades, due to the exponentially increasing cost of extraction of these fuels, further reducing the available time to transition the economy to new energy sources [4]
We discovered that the most important reasons behind the actions and intentions to reduce the consumption of electricity at homes are ecological concerns and interest in new technologies
Summary
The importance of energy efficiency rises with time. Progressively more attention is being paid to minimizing the energy consumption of buildings and electrical appliances, and in the fuel consumption of vehicles. The need to use energy more efficiently is caused by both the climate crisis, resulting from anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions [1] and by limited availability of traditional energy sources that can be obtained in a costeffective manner [2] Both of these pressures will increase in the future. Despite efforts by the international community to reduce the scale of GHG emissions (Kyoto Protocol 1997; Paris Agreement 2015), global consumption of fossil fuels is increasing, and the risk of dangerous consequences of climate destabilization is growing [3]. There is a threat that the availability of fossil fuels may begin to decline rapidly in the coming decades, due to the exponentially increasing cost of extraction of these fuels, further reducing the available time to transition the economy to new energy sources [4]
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