Unraveling the complexities: Impacts of energy burden on the built environment challenges among assistance-dependent populations in the United Kingdom

Abstract

The intricate relationship between energy burden (EB) and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) is vital for human well-being within the built environment. While previous studies have focused on vulnerable groups, individuals with health concerns have received limited attention. This interdisciplinary study delves into the disparities and cumulative impacts of EB, the built environment, and social demographics, with a particular focus on assistance-dependent populations (ADPs). Based on 2588 online respondents in the U.K. during the COVID-19 pandemic, our research unveils significant relationships between EB, heating insecurity, and perceived thermal discomfort. ADPs reported an average EB of 5.5% and poorer housing quality than their counterparts, with inadequate temperatures emerging as a primary concern. The correlation analysis highlights a strong connection between the perception of thermal discomfort and energy-saving behaviors. We also explored the interactions of EB, homeownership, and assistance-dependent status to uncover concentrated disadvantages in housing issues and identified vulnerable groups. Notably, irrespective of their EB, ADPs face more challenges than non-ADPs, highlighting the greater predictive significance of assistance-dependent status over EB. Moreover, our findings suggest that assistance-dependent renters constitute the most vulnerable group. Considering that ADPs already contend with preexisting physical illnesses, the revelation that they are more prone to experiencing higher EB and residing in inferior conditions is of utmost importance. It underscores the urgency of mitigating these additional health risks and ensuring the availability of a healthy and safe living environment for vulnerable demographics, thereby advancing the goal of equity within the built environment for overall well-being.