Home Energy Efficiency Research Articles

Linking housing, socio-demographic, environmental and mental health data at scale

Mental disorders are a growing problem worldwide, putting pressure on healthcare systems and wider society. Anxiety and depression are estimated to cost the global economy US$1 trillion per year, yet only 2% of global median government healthcare expenditure goes towards mental health. There is growing evidence linking housing, socio-economic status and local environmental conditions with mental health inequalities. The aim of this paper is to link several open-access datasets at the local area level (N = 32,844) for England to clinical mental health metrics and describe initial statistical findings. Two mental health metrics were used: Small Area Mental Health Index (SAMHI) and diagnosed depression prevalence. To demonstrate the utility of the longitudinal mental health data, changes in depression prevalence were investigated over two study periods (2011–19, i.e. austerity; and 2019–22, i.e. COVID-19). These data were linked to housing data (energy efficiency, floor area, year built, type and tenure) from Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs); socio-demographic data (age, sex, income and education deprivation, household size) from administrative records; and local environment data (winter temperature, air pollution and access to green space). The linked dataset provides a useful resource with which to investigate the social and environmental determinants of mental health. Practice relevance Initial observations of the data revealed a non-linear relationship between home energy efficiency (EPC band) and the mental health metrics, with depression prevalence higher in local areas where the mode EPC bands were C and D, compared with B and E. Researchers can further investigate this relationship using the dataset through robust statistical analysis, adjusting for confounding variables. National and local governments may use the dataset to help allocate resources to prevent and treat mental health conditions. Practitioners can map and interrogate the data to describe their local areas and make preliminary conclusions about the relationships between the built environment and mental health. This preliminary analysis of the data demonstrated a gradient in SAMHI and depression prevalence with income and employment deprivation at the local area level.

Optimizing energy efficiency in mediterranean single-family homes: A parametric study of building typology, orientation, and BIPV integration

The energy efficiency of residential buildings is a critical concern, especially in regions with challenging climatic conditions like the Mediterranean. Despite numerous studies on energy-efficient design, there is a lack of specificity in how building typology, orientation, and Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPVs) interact to influence energy performance. This study addresses this gap by conducting a parametric investigation of single-family houses, focusing on variations in building typology and orientation, both with and without BIPV integration. The parameters evaluated include energy consumption for heating, cooling, lighting, and domestic hot water, using simulations performed with iSBEM-Cy, the official tool for energy performance calculations in Cyprus. The results reveal that building orientation can reduce energy consumption, while BIPV integration contributes additional energy savings. Terraced houses with only Building-Applied Photovoltaics (BAPVs) showed the best energy balance (−38.20 kWh/m2/yr), while detached houses had the highest energy consumption (71.24 kWh/m2/yr). With BIPVs, energy balances improved significantly across all typologies, with terraced houses reaching −78.20 kWh/m2/yr, demonstrating the strong potential of BIPV integration. These findings highlight the importance of considering context-specific factors when integrating renewable energy systems, offering insights for architects and urban planners.

Leading by example from high-status individuals: exploring a crucial missing link in climate change mitigation

Behaviour change has great potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions quickly, helping to prevent dangerous global warming. Some of the most impactful changes are: flying less, eating less meat, driving electric cars, improving home energy efficiency, increased use of public transport and active travel. However, these choices have proved elusive at scale and are rarely encouraged or modelled by high-status individuals (“leaders”), despite established knowledge about the influence of leaders as role models. Applying theories of embodied leadership and credibility enhancing displays, our novel pre-registered survey experiment (n = 1267) reveals that visible leading by example from politicians and celebrities significantly increases the willingness of members of the UK public to make these high-impact low-carbon choices. In addition, leading by example greatly increases perceptions of leader credibility, trustworthiness, competence, and favourability. We find no significant effects of leading by example on people’s wider perceptions of climate change, but a strong “appetite for leadership” among the public is revealed. In light of these findings, we discuss how embodied leadership by way of visible low-carbon behaviour from leaders may provide a crucial “missing link” for climate change mitigation.

Parameters and barriers affecting the marketability of energy efficient residential buildings: a case study in Turkey

ABSTRACT The data indicate that merely improving energy efficiency within energy-efficient buildings (EEBs) is insufficient to significantly reduce the energy demand of the building sector. To achieve substantial reductions, strategies must also focus on increasing the number of EEBs within the existing building stock. However, research in this area remains limited. Therefore, this study aims to explore the current market demand and barriers for EEBs, examine the impact of various design decisions on housing prices, identify the factors influencing the marketability of residential buildings, and analyze customer purchasing decisions in Turkey (Türkiye). For this purpose, a comprehensive literature review was first made. It was observed that factors such as macroeconomic conditions, sales price, housing opportunities, location, brand, customer demographics, energy efficiency, housing features, and aesthetics were frequently discussed in the literature. Based on the literature review and preliminary study results, among other factors, aesthetic appreciation is considered the most applicable design strategy, and windows and balconies are identified as building components that can simultaneously affect energy efficiency, marketability, and aesthetics. Then, as a preliminary study to determine major marketing strategies, the housing marketing strategies were surveyed and analyzed from the real estate sector in different cities as provided in the advertisements posted on their websites. Furthermore, a comprehensive e-mail survey was conducted with 351 different real estate companies amongst 22 cities of Türkiye. Based on the findings, enhancing architectural designs could potentially elevate the perceived value of energy-efficient homes by up to 18% among consumers and this can increase the marketability.

Energy Efficiency in Seasonal Homes: A Study on the Occupancy, Energy Use, and Renovation of Second Homes in Sweden

The escalating utilisation of second homes has led to an extension in heating periods and, to a certain degree, renovations to elevate the standard, resulting in augmented energy and resource consumption. A comprehensive survey was conducted in Sweden, examining user patterns across different seasons, heating systems, and implemented energy efficiency measures. The results indicate that second homes are occupied for extended periods during the summer season and intermittently throughout the year. Over half of the second homes are heated even when unoccupied, with 12% maintaining a temperature above 16 °C. The predominant heating method is direct electricity (32.2%), followed by heat pumps (29.5%) and stoves (17.5%). A variety of renovations are undertaken, primarily to enhance the standard and technical performance, but also to implement energy efficiency measures such as window replacement, additional insulation, or heat pump installation. Based on the reported user and heating patterns, and the energy renovations carried out, the potential energy savings with different energy renovation strategies were estimated for the Swedish second home stock. The results show that though lowering the temperature when a second home is unoccupied emerges as the most efficient measure, both in terms of cost-effectiveness and climate impact, it needs to be complemented with intermittent heating or dehumidification to ensure that the relative humidity is below critical levels, to avoid the risk of damages caused by, for example, mould growth. Installing a heat pump is the second most energy- and cost-effective measure and has the advantage that the indoor temperature can be maintained at rather high levels.

Enhancing energy-efficient home appliance adoption: Media publicity strategies and planned behavior theory

Enhancing energy-efficient home appliance adoption: Media publicity strategies and planned behavior theory

LSTM Networks for Home Energy Efficiency

This study aims to develop and evaluate an LSTM neural network for predicting household energy consumption. To conduct the experiment, a testbed was created consisting of five common appliances, namely, a TV, air conditioner, fan, computer, and lamp, each connected to individual smart meters within a Home Energy Management System (HEMS). Additionally, a meter was installed on the distribution board to measure total consumption. Real-time data were collected at 15-min intervals for 30 days in a residence that represented urban energy consumption in Sincelejo, Sucre, inhabited by four people. This setup enabled the capture of detailed and specific energy consumption data, facilitating data analysis and validating the system before large-scale implementation. Using the detailed power consumption information of these devices, an LSTM model was trained to identify temporal connections in power usage. Proper data preparation, including normalisation and feature selection, was essential for the success of the model. The results showed that the LSTM model was effective in predicting energy consumption, achieving a mean squared error (MSE) of 0.0169. This study emphasises the importance of continued research on preferred predictive models and identifies areas for future research, such as the integration of additional contextual data and the development of practical applications for residential energy management. Additionally, it demonstrates the potential of LSTM models in smart-home energy management and serves as a solid foundation for future research in this field.

INCENTIVIZING LANDLORD ENGAGEMENT IN A CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION IN NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA: A CASE STUDY OF ENERGIZE BRIDGEWATER

ABSTRACT Split incentives, in which the costs and benefits of energy efficiency upgrades are unevenly felt between landlords and tenants, are a powerful barrier that prevents retrofits from taking place. The problem is clearly playing out across the low-income, and inefficient homes of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada, where greenhouse emissions are high, and a large proportion of residents are burdened by energy poverty. To help solve the problem and facilitate home energy efficiency renovations, a project called Energize Bridgewater was developed. Guided by 10 semi-structured interviews with Energize Bridgewater team members (n = 4) and property managers (n = 6), we present a case study which sought to contextualize and better understand how Energize Bridgewater may incentivize owners of rental houses to participate in this clean energy transition. Our results focus on three main findings: i) the reality of the split incentive problem in Bridgewater; ii) barriers to landlord engagement; and iii) reactions to proposed programming. We close this paper with a discussion of the theoretical and practical implications of our work, including a set of recommendations for Energize Bridgewater and similar projects facing the split incentive problem while working toward a clean and cost-effective energy transition.

Energy efficient homes for rodent control across cityscapes

Energy efficient homes for rodent control across cityscapes

Investigating the impact of housing price increases on consumption: heterogeneity by age, tenure and housing quality

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the distributional impact of house price increases on consumption in the context of the energy transition.Design/methodology/approachThis study draws from two micro cross-sectional datasets, the English Housing Survey (EHS) and the Living Costs and Food Survey (LCFS) to study the Marginal Propensity to Consume (MPC) out of changes in house prices. By employing pseudo-panel regressions, the paper examines the impact of house price changes on consumption among diverse household types.FindingsThis paper finds varying consumption responses to house price changes across age and tenure groups. Older homeowners tend to increase consumption when house prices rise. In contrast, middle-aged individuals, often renters or mortgage holders, reduce consumption in response to price increases. The youngest age group also experiences increased consumption but to a lesser degree than the oldest group. Energy-efficient homes are related to lower consumption across all tenure levels. However, when interacted with house prices and age, the estimates are positive, pointing to an unequal accrual of property premiums depending on housing market positions.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitations stem from data constraints. First, using a pseudo-panel approach hinders control for unobservable selection bias. Additionally, while robust under cross-validation and specifications tests, the energy efficiency variable imputation results in a low number of energy-efficient homes. Due to heterogeneous responses to rising house prices, this paper contends that an energy transition model that subsidises homeowners’ renovation is likely to produce a negative impact on consumption among younger and middle-aged households.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the MPC literature by incorporating energy efficiency as a key variable. It draws from recent data to obtain new estimates. By highlighting shifts in consumption patterns the paper contributes to a well-established body of literature with renewed policy relevance regarding housing retrofit.

Time-varying rates prompt different responses as a function of home energy efficiency

Spiking global energy prices make it all the more important to understand the distributional effects of commonly used energy transition policies such as financially-based demand management. We examine how building energy efficiency impacts the effect of time-of-use rates; peak prices could differently affect curtailment behaviour and bills in homes that require more continual energy use for comfort. Using a sample of 3,145 households in the Australian Capital Territory with panel data for up to five years, we use two-way fixed effects to estimate the effect of switching to a time-of-use (TOU) rate on household electricity use and bills, allowing for heterogeneous effects as a function of building Energy Efficiency Rating (EER). Analyses indicate that low-EER households dependent on electricity for heating curtail use when on TOU rates, while high-EER households do not. This does not appear to financially disadvantage low-EER households, but may impact comfort. Our findings suggest that the household responses to TOU rates can differ as a function of building energy efficiency for those households that are reliant on electricity for heating. This has implications for TOU rate design and demand management policies, particularly in the context of policies for electrification.

Impact of religiosity on Pakistani youth green purchase intensions and behavior: extending theory of planned behavior

Purpose Although much research has examined sustainable consumption, one key factor that has been rediscovered is religion. This study aims to include religiosity as a background variable to extend the theory of planned behavior in measuring the Pakistani youth’s green purchase intentions (GPI) and green purchase behavior (GPB) of energy-efficient home appliances. Design/methodology/approach Built on a positivist research philosophy and a deductive approach of a quantitative design, a convenience sample of 317 participants was approached via online forms. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze both the measurement model and the structural model. Findings The results suggest that religiosity impacts consumers’ beliefs to maintain control over green behavior and perceived behavioral control (PBC), followed by sustainable attitudes (SA), beliefs that significant others endorse green behavior subjective norms (SN) and GPI. Besides, PBC, SN and SA impact GPI. Furthermore, GPI and PBC impact GPB. Finally, PBC, SN and SA mediate the religiosity and GPI link. However, the moderation effect of PBC on the link of GPI with GPB was not supported. Research limitations/implications The model developed is specific to the Muslim population in Pakistan. Therefore, the model might only be able to be generalized to nations that have a similar culture to the Muslims in Pakistan or in other developing countries. Originality/value The current research advances the knowledge on the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development goal (SDGs) (Goal-12) by clarifying the mechanisms whereby religiosity impacts factors of sustainable consumption including SA, PBC and SN.

Improved Energy Efficiency Technologies and Its Applications

These sectors are substantial energy consumers, making their transition towards greener practices essential for reducing environmental impact and operational costs. Fortunately, a range of innovative solutions are available to pave the way for a more energy-efficient tomorrow. Successful energy efficiency programs often install and operate a range of energy-efficient technologies. The technologies can benefit multiple sectors by reducing energy demand and improving energy reliability.Energy efficiency is the use of less energy to perform the same task or produce the same result. Energy-efficient homes and buildings use less energy to heat, cool, and run appliances and electronics, and energy-efficient manufacturing facilities use less energy to produce goods.Energy efficiency is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to combat climate change, reduce energy costs for consumers, and improve the competitiveness of . businesses. Energy efficiency is also a vital component in achieving net-zero emissions of carbon dioxide through decarburization

EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF VEGETATION STRUCTURES (VS) AND LANDSCAPE ORIENTATION IN MINIMIZING THERMAL PERFORMANCE IN A TROPICAL CLIMATE: A FIELDWORK STUDY

The study investigates the impact of vegetation structure within two landscape orientations on thermal performance, a critical consideration in urban planning and environmental management. Given the increasing concerns about Urban Heat Islands and global warming, understanding how vegetation influences thermal regulation is essential. This research employed a quantitative method through field measurement studies, focusing on two single-storey semi-detached houses namely East Landscape Orientation (ELO) and West Landscape Orientation (WLO) located at Seri Iskandar, Perak Malaysia. The snowball technique was utilized to select the case study houses, ensuring a targeted approach to understanding the effects. Thermal Microclimate Data Logger and Indoor Air Quality Monitor Data Logger were used to measure environmental parameters for thermal conditions, ensuring consistent, reliable, and comprehensive data for analyzing thermal performance in both outdoor and indoor environments. The research findings reveal that the orientation of a house relative to the sun's path significantly impacts its thermal dynamics, with vegetation playing a crucial role in moderating these effects. ELO houses benefit from milder morning sunlight and effective afternoon cooling, while WLO houses experience higher outdoor and indoor temperatures due to intense sunlight and less efficient transpiration by vegetation. Vegetation on the west side provides shade and reduces heat absorption, improving comfort and energy efficiency. Understanding these dynamics can help homeowners and architects make informed decisions about landscape design, enhancing thermal comfort and energy efficiency in homes. This research also contributes to the expanding knowledge base on sustainable urban design by exploring the use of vegetation to enhance thermal performance.

From Awareness to Action: How Knowledge of Energy-Saving Labels Drives Sustainable Consumer Behavior Towards Energy-Efficient Home Appliances in Indonesia

From Awareness to Action: How Knowledge of Energy-Saving Labels Drives Sustainable Consumer Behavior Towards Energy-Efficient Home Appliances in Indonesia

Evaluating the Energy Efficiency of Combining Heat Pumps and Photovoltaic Panels in Eco-Friendly Housing

This article aims to analyze the energy efficiency of combining heat pumps with photovoltaic (PV) panels in energy-efficient homes. The research methodology involved a detailed energy balance analysis, assessment of the impact of mechanical ventilation, location, heat loss, and the choice and operation of heat sources, with a particular focus on heat pumps in synergy with PV installations. The results demonstrate that integrating heat pumps with PV panels can significantly reduce the demand for external energy sources and lower the operating costs of buildings, while contributing to their energy self-sufficiency. This study highlights that such a combination of technologies is key to promoting sustainable development and achieving energy efficiency goals in the residential sector. The results of this analysis expand knowledge about the effectiveness of such systems and provide practical recommendations for designers and engineers interested in implementing renewable energy technologies in modern energy-efficient buildings, taking into account the impact of these solutions on reducing CO2 emissions as well.

Can machine learning predict environmental attitudes and beliefs?

ABSTRACT Beliefs and attitudes regarding climate change significantly influence public support for environmental policy regulations and willingness to engage in voluntary actions. This paper endeavours to forecast public perceptions concerning global warming, anthropogenic climate change, support for environmental tax policies, and the inclination to purchase energy-efficient home appliances. Leveraging data from the European Social Survey, we employ four machine learning techniques to anticipate individuals’ environmental beliefs and attitudes. Across various settings, our analysis achieves an accuracy of over 70% in identifying environmentally conscious respondents.

HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM

The project presents the development of an advanced home automation system aimed at revolutionizing residential living through smart technologies. Leveraging Internet of Things (IoT) principles, the system integrates various sensors, actuators, and communication protocols to enable remote monitoring and control of home appliances and devices. Through a user-friendly interface accessible via mobile or web platforms, homeowners can effortlessly manage their home environment, ensuring convenience, security, and energy efficiency. The project emphasizes scalability and interoperability, paving the way for future expansion and integration with emerging smart technologies. Key Words: Home Automation System, Internet of Things (IOT), Sensors, Actuators, Remote Monitoring

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE ON THE TRANSITION TO ECO-FRIENDLY SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES

As the global climate continues to change, countries across the world face a critical challenge in balancing sustainable construction, lowering construction costs, and increasing housing affordability and the United States is no exception. Since the U.S. building sector is a major contributor to CO2 and other greenhouse gases emissions, it necessitates the adoption of eco-friendly construction practices, which may increase construction costs. On the other hand, with the persistent yet increasing demand for affordable housing, it is imperative to navigate these concurrent issues efficiently. The challenges of climate-friendly buildings, affordable construction, and housing costs come together in a complex way. Ensuring that housing is both environmentally friendly and affordable for everyone, a deep understanding and innovative ideas are essential. The overarching goal of this study is two-fold. First, it aims to understand how the building industry in the state of Massachusetts, U.S. is addressing the transition to building more eco-friendly single-family homes. Second, it looks at the construction costs associated with building these energy-efficient homes by obtaining real estimates from subcontractors. Through these steps, this study offers a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities in an effort to provide housing that is both energy-efficient and affordable.

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE ON THE TRANSITION TO ECO-FRIENDLY SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES

As the global climate continues to change, countries across the world face a critical challenge in balancing sustainable construction, lowering construction costs, and increasing housing affordability and the United States is no exception. Since the U.S. building sector is a major contributor to CO2 and other greenhouse gases emissions, it necessitates the adoption of eco-friendly construction practices, which may increase construction costs. On the other hand, with the persistent yet increasing demand for affordable housing, it is imperative to navigate these concurrent issues efficiently. The challenges of climate-friendly buildings, affordable construction, and housing costs come together in a complex way. Ensuring that housing is both environmentally friendly and affordable for everyone, a deep understanding and innovative ideas are essential. The overarching goal of this study is two-fold. First, it aims to understand how the building industry in the state of Massachusetts, U.S. is addressing the transition to building more eco-friendly single-family homes. Second, it looks at the construction costs associated with building these energy-efficient homes by obtaining real estimates from subcontractors. Through these steps, this study offers a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities in an effort to provide housing that is both energy-efficient and affordable.