Interpreting the energy choices and environmental satisfaction determinants in low-income housing typologies: Cases from slums and slum rehabilitation housing of Mumbai, India

Abstract

This study explores the impact of built-environment characteristics and occupant behaviour on appliance ownership, energy consumption, and environmental satisfaction in low-income settlements. A shift in the built-environment setting significantly impacts energy choices, appliance purchase decisions, appliance characteristics, and related occupant behaviour and household practices. This study performs a comparative analysis of the horizontal slums and vertical tenements of slum rehabilitation housing (SRH) in Mumbai by quantitatively investigating the difference in built-environment settings from horizontality to verticality on energy decisions. A Computer-based Personal Interview was conducted among 643 slum and SRH households. This study established the significance of ‘lack of satisfaction and well-being’ as a key aspect of the impoverishment of the slum-displaced population. The displaced population with a tenured house and ‘hard infrastructure’ in the resettlement colonies adapts to the social structure, modifies social and household practices, and delves into improved energy choices, improving living standards. Yet, this minimally decent life fails to provide the occupants with environmental and life satisfaction and well-being. The study establishes that occupant behaviour is individual predilection oriented, and the socio-spatial context of ‘built-environment,’ with following rational modification, can improve the population's energy consumption and environmental satisfaction.