Investigating the residential energy consumption behaviors in Beijing: a survey study

Abstract

This paper investigates the residents’ direct and indirect energy consumption behaviors in Beijing, as well as the impact of age, educational background and income level on the behaviors. The results show that, first, there are a high proportion of residents who may support the policies and activities about consumption behaviors adjustment towards energy-saving and low-carbon pattern, but currently the residents’ awareness and behaviors are still not desirable. Second, the promotion of energy-saving appliance is effective to drive the energy conservation and emission reductions, and the current energy prices are higher but not effective to curb energy consumption and carbon emissions. Third, the direct energy consumption behaviors of older respondents and those with higher education background and income level generally tend to be more energy conservative than the younger respondents and other education and income level groups. The survey results may provide significant policy implications for the government and energy-saving product suppliers.