Energy-efficient Household Appliances Research Articles

Towards sustainable consumption: Factors influencing energy-efficient appliance adoption in haze-affected environments

Global-scale energy use has contributed to worldwide environmental issues, including climate change, global warming, and air and haze pollution. Home appliances are commonly used products that consume a lot of energy. This study aims to empirically assess the factors that lead to pro-environmental consumer behavior in households under the influence of haze pollution. The relationship among the variables of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) (attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, purchase intention, and purchase behavior), the norm activation model (NAM) (ascription of responsibility, awareness of consequences, personal norms), and additional psychological variables such as green trust and environmental concern has been examined. In addition, the moderating role of herd mentality on consumer purchasing has also been assessed. A non-probability-based purposive sampling technique has been employed to gather data from 429 respondents. The results from PLS-SEM show that haze pollution stimulates the usage of energy-saving appliances. Environmental concern positively affects consumers' intentions to purchase energy-efficient household appliances, and green trust positively influences environmental concern. Subjective norms, attitudes, perceived consumer effectiveness, and environmental concern shape purchase intention. Personal norms are influenced by the awareness of consequences and the ascription of responsibility. The influence of these factors on consumers' pro-environmental behavior is evident in purchasing energy-efficient household appliances to minimize haze and mitigate associated environmental issues. This study proposes strategies to persuade individuals to purchase energy-efficient household equipment based on the empirical findings.

Unraveling the Paradigm of Household Energy Consumption: Environmental Impacts and the Transition to Energy Efficiency

Amidst global climate change and natural resource degradation challenges, adopting energy-efficient home appliances is becoming increasingly crucial, especially in developing countries like Indonesia. Java Island is the country’s economic and industrial center with the highest domestic energy consumption. This study aims to analyze the influence of knowledge about eco-labels and environmental consciousness, mediated by self-efficacy, on the willingness of consumers in Java to adopt energy-efficient household appliances. This study utilizes the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) theoretical framework. Data were collected from 210 respondents through a survey disseminated through social media, and analysis was conducted using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) method within the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) framework. Results show that eco-label knowledge and environmental consciousness significantly contribute to willingness to purchase energy-efficient appliances, with self-efficacy as an essential mediator. The findings present new insights into sustainable consumer behavior and provide practical recommendations for policymakers and practitioners in formulating effective promotional strategies to increase the adoption of energy-efficient home appliances in Indonesia. As such, this study extends the green consumer behavior literature by exploring the mediating role of self-efficacy in a developing country context.

The Impact of Media Publicity and Online Product Reviews on Consumers’ Purchase Intentions of Energy-Efficient Appliances

In the changing global economy, energy security has become a central concern for the sustainable development of nations. The limited energy supply in developing countries has led governments and enterprises to explore efficient energy resources. The consumption of energy-efficient appliances is a crucial way to address energy scarcity. This study aims to predict consumer purchase intention for energy-efficient household appliances. The study extends the Stimulus – Organism – Response model by incorporating green perceived value and customer trust as mediators between external stimuli and consumers’ behavioral responses. Data was collected from 287 household heads in Vietnam and analyzed by applying partial least squares structural equation modeling. Results show that media publicity, online product reviews, green perceived value, and customer trust all significantly correlate with consumers’ purchase intention. Results further indicate that green perceived value mediates the relationship between media publicity, online product reviews and consumers’ purchase intention. Moreover, customer trust in energy-efficiency labels is a significant mediator between media publicity, online product reviews and consumers’ purchase intention. The research offers theoretical and practical insights into green consumption and the promotion of energy efficiency in emerging markets.

Is This Right for You?: The Key Role of Shop Assistants in Promoting Energy-Efficient Household Appliances

In 2021, a significant update was made to the household appliance classification system in Europe with the introduction of a new energy-efficient label (EE). This update is a step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 7 of the United Nations, which focuses on sustainable energy. The EE label is an effective tool for reducing overall energy consumption. However, its success relies on the awareness and decision making of consumers when making purchases. During the purchase phase, shop assistants have the potential to play a crucial role in promoting energy-efficient choices. Surprisingly, this aspect has been largely overlooked in previous research. In an attempt to fill this gap, we conducted an exploratory study employing a mixed-method approach, encompassing 22 in-depth interviews and questionnaires administered to shop assistants from various appliance stores. Our findings revealed that shop assistants face challenges in promoting energy-efficient choices, particularly after the introduction of the new EE label, due to a lack of training. This may result in incorrect advice that could impact consumer purchases and their daily energy consumption. Our study emphasises the need to support shop assistants in promoting energy-efficient purchases, to enhance their training, and to incorporate tools such as augmented reality to foster energy-efficient-orientated purchases.

Promoting Sales of Energy Efficient Household Appliances: Outcomes and Cost Effectiveness of Rebate Programs

Promoting Sales of Energy Efficient Household Appliances: Outcomes and Cost Effectiveness of Rebate Programs

A comprehensive model to explain consumers’ purchasing intention of energy-efficient household appliances: A case study in China

ABSTRACT Given the significant increase in residential electricity consumption in China, promoting the use of energy-efficient household appliances in residential buildings is imperative. Considering this, we construct a new comprehensive model, including the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and Theory of value belief norms (VBN), to identify consumers’ intentions to purchase energy-efficient household appliances. The model is empirically tested using a structural equation modeling approach based on 891 effective questionnaires from Chinese respondents. The results show that TPB variables are important factors in predicting consumers’ intentions to purchase energy-efficient household appliances. Product cognition is the best predictor of purchasing intention, followed by perceived behavioral control, environmental awareness, and subjective norms. For VBN variables, the egoistic value and altruistic value placed on the awareness of consequence is insignificant; the other VBN variables all affect purchasing intention. Compared with the original TPB model or VBN model, this comprehensive model exhibits superior predictive ability in the purchase intention of energy-efficient household appliances. In this comprehensive model, environmental awareness creates a significant effect between the awareness of consequence and ascription of responsibility and the interactive influence of subjective norms on the personal norm. Finally, several important policy implications are documented.

Purchase intention on energy efficient household appliances - a meta-analysis of the studies based on theory of planned behaviour

Purchase intention on energy efficient household appliances - a meta-analysis of the studies based on theory of planned behaviour

Modelling the energy conservation behaviour among Chinese households under the premises of value-belief-norm theory

Energy conservation is a necessary form of green behaviour, as energy production and consumption gravely affect the climate. The current study aimed to explore energy conservation behaviour among Chinese households based on the value-belief-norm framework. This study used a cross-sectional design and collected quantitative data from 1671 respondents through an online survey. The hybrid analysis techniques of partial least squares structural equation modelling and artificial neural network analysis were used to analyse the data. Findings revealed that biospheric values have a positive and significant effect on pro-environmental beliefs, awareness of consequences, and ascription of responsibility, which ultimately explains 46.3% of the change in personal norms and 42.6% of the change in green trust. The results shed light on the significant positive impact of green trust and personal norms on the energy conservation intention. Green trust and personal norms can elucidate 27.3% of the change in energy conservation intention. The energy conservation intention (39.1%) explains the energy conservation behaviour. The results of ANN analysis revealed energy conservation intention, personal norms, green trust, and awareness of consequences as the four most significant contributors to the formation of energy conservation behaviour. The current study extended the VNB model with the green trust. It offered empirical evidence on the effects of pro-environmental belief, awareness of consequences, and ascription of responsibility concerning energy conservation intention. Energy policies should thus concentrate on addressing energy conservation behaviour, promoting energy-efficient household appliances, and rewarding energy conservation by lowering energy prices for low-energy users.

Understanding energy-efficiency choices through consumption values: the central role of consumer's attention and trust in environmental claims

PurposeThis study examines how consumption values influence consumers' purchase intention of energy-efficient home appliances in South Africa, an emerging market. The study further investigates the mediating role of consumers' attention to energy-efficient labels affixed on home appliances while making a purchase decision and the moderating effect of consumer trust in the environmental claims.Design/methodology/approachUsing a quantitative approach, this study relied on self-administered questionnaires to collect data from 505 household representatives in South Africa's Gauteng Province. The proposed conceptual model was empirically tested using structural equation modelling, moderation and mediation analyses.FindingsThe results revealed that economic, emotional and social values can only influence consumers' intention to purchase energy-efficient appliances if consumers pay attention to the energy-efficiency label affixed on the appliance. Functional value, however, has a significant direct impact on purchase intention. Moreover, the results indicate that trust in energy-efficiency labels strengthens the effect of functional and emotional values on consumers' attention to energy-efficiency labels.Originality/valueFindings of this study highlight the importance of capturing the attention of consumers to energy-efficiency labels during the buying process as well as increasing their trust in those labels. Results indicate that consumers are more attracted to the functional and social values that energy-efficient appliances provide. This study is of particular interest to policymakers, retailers and manufacturers, as it sheds light on key strategies to implement to effectively promote the purchase of energy-efficient household appliances in South Africa.

Purchase Behavior of Energy-Efficient Appliances Contribute to Sustainable Energy Consumption in Developing Country: Moral Norms Extension of the Theory of Planned Behavior

Since energy consumption in developing countries has increased significantly, motivating energy-saving habits among citizens is an important issue both from the academic and industrial perspectives. Thus, this study aims to predict consumer purchase intention for energy-efficient household appliances based on an extended model of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). This study incorporated two additional constructs of moral norms and environmental concern in the model of the TPB. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 1155 Bangladeshi consumers, and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) regression was used to test the hypotheses. Results show that attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavior control significantly influence consumer purchase intention of energy-efficient appliances (EEAs). This study also proved that the extension of moral norms is a significant predictor of consumers’ purchase intention in the classic theory of planned behavior (TPB). However, environmental concerns had no significant influence in the Bangladesh context. As far as the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical survey in Bangladesh to predict energy-efficient household appliance (EEHA) purchasing intentions using an extended model of the TPB. Marketers and policymakers can use the findings of this study to design strategies for generating more value for green consumers. The study also provides insights into environmental marketing and sustainable energy consumption in developing countries from theoretical and practical perspectives.

How Do Environmental Knowledge, Eco-Label Knowledge, and Green Trust Impact Consumers’ Pro-Environmental Behaviour for Energy-Efficient Household Appliances?

Pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) helps individuals to minimize the negative effects of their actions on the environment; for example, by recycling and reducing energy consumption. This study aimed to explore consumers’ attitudes and trust in energy-efficient household appliances and their environmental and eco-label knowledge to determine how these may affect pro-environmental behaviour (PEB). In addition, the study examined the mediating effects of attitude and green trust on the proposed frameworks of environmental and eco-label knowledge in relation to consumer pro-environmental behaviour. PLS-SEM (Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modelling) was applied to a study from Bangladesh to examine hypotheses proposed from the data generated by 1510 valid respondents relating to their experiences of using household energy-efficient products. The results showed that environmental knowledge, eco-label knowledge, attitude, and green trust all significantly correlated with consumer pro-environmental behaviour. In addition, attitude and green trust significantly mediated the relationship between environmental knowledge, eco-label knowledge, and pro-environmental behaviour. This study also found that green trust positively affects consumer attitudes, and that those attitudes serve as a significant mediator between green trust and pro-environmental behaviour. An IPMA (importance-performance matrix analysis) map indicated that the total effects of environmental attitude and eco-label knowledge were more important to defining the pro-environmental behaviour of consumers than those of environmental knowledge and green trust. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research introduces for the first time an empirical survey that provides a new theoretical framework for consumer pro-environmental behaviour in regard to energy-efficient household appliances in the context of a developing country. Suggestions are provided on ways to promote energy-saving appliances from theoretical and practical perspectives.

Individual Barriers to Energy-Efficient Appliance Purchases

This paper reviews the literature on the barriers encountered by consumers while purchasing energy efficient household appliances in the last decade. Energy efficient household appliances are the appliances which consume minimum energy while functioning at their fullest capacity. It is observed that the studies on barriers to energy efficient appliances are highly prevalent in the developed economies while there are not many in the BRICS nations. Moreover, in the developed nations, the barriers towards efficient appliances has been analysed from the lens of behavioural economics disregarding the rational economic perspective, while studies of similar kind are lacking in the emerging economies. The review proposes a model based on theory of planned behaviour and Prospect theory to predict the impact of barriers on consumer’s purchase behaviour. it recommends that the linear relationship between purchase intention and purchase behaviour is mediated by the presence of barriers like perceived product risks, subjective norm, perceived personal inconvenience and price sensitivity.

The role of personal and environmental factors in rural homeowner decision to insulate; an example from Poland

The paper's objective is to quantify factors influencing a rural homeowner's decision to invest in exterior insulation to improve energy efficiency, lower heating costs, decrease air pollution, and reduce ash disposal and time spent monitoring coal-burning stoves. The study estimates a probit decision equation using survey data collected from an area lagging in economic development and calculates decision probability change in response to a variety of homeowner characteristics, perceived importance of issues related to energy efficiency, and location. The resulting calculation of probability changes on choosing to invest in external insulation show that respondents with higher education had a 6.4% higher probability of making the decision to invest in insulation, but the probability decreased by 11.2% for every additional person added to the household. Residents with the lowest incomes had a relatively higher probability to insulate a house than those with more income, but being a farmer decreased the probability by 60.7%. Energy-saving attitudes reflected in recent purchase of energy-efficient household appliances had a 41.2% higher probability to choose exterior insulation. Favoring to pay more for locally-generated solar energy increased the probability of investing in exterior insulation by 16.2%, while those who wanted the hot water supply independent from electricity had a 24.2% higher probability. The quantified effects facilitate targeting rural households and increasing their participation in recently introduced programs aimed at energy-efficiency.

Promoting Sales of Energy Efficient Household Appliances: Outcomes and Cost Effectiveness of Rebate Programs

This paper studies seven rebate programs aiming at accelerating the replacement of energy-intensive household appliances. Based on a large product-level data set for several European countries, we study the effects on unit sales and prices of both subsidized and non-subsidized products. The empirical identification strategy exploits the temporary implementation of the rebates in regional segments of the European Common Market. The results for unit sales indicate that subsidies can be an effective instrument for stimulating purchases of energy efficient appliances. While the strength of the stimulus proves sensitive to program design, we find limited evidence of intertemporal substitution, and no indication that program effects are driven by a drop in sales of non-subsidized products. In some cases, sales of non-subsidized products increase, a finding that we attribute to information campaigns associated with the rebate programs. Price effects are modest, implying that subsidies are mostly passed through to consumers. Considering the actual energy savings, however, our analysis shows that rebate programs are a relatively expensive way to improve energy efficiency.

Evaluation of the efficiency of Chinese energy-saving household appliance subsidy policy: An economic benefit perspective

China has made great efforts to control energy consumption and reduce environmental pressure in recent decades. In the residential sector, the dramatic increase in the ownership of household appliances has driven the growth of electricity consumption, which calls for effective energy-saving policies. In this study, we exemplified the sales of refrigerators in Beijing, aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of current subsidy policies for stimulating the purchase of energy-efficient household appliances. In specific, we first selected ten pairs of refrigerators from six brands having similar functions, however different in their energy efficiency grades (EEG). By applying a combination of net present value (NPV) difference method and Conversion Method of Electrical Engineering Coefficient, we calculated and compared the changes in the NPV difference and dynamic investment payback period (DIPP) to evaluate the effectiveness of the policy. The results revealed that economic benefits were mainly generated in EEG2; thereby we suggest that the government can cancel subsidies for EEG2 refrigerators, and increase the subsidy amount for EGG1 refrigerators at a potential rate of 24% in the future.

AN INSTITUTIONAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE ADAPTATION AND MITIGATION OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE HOUSING SECTOR IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

The study examined adaptation and mitigation of climate change in the housing sector from an institutional perspective in the Northern Region of Ghana. The study employed descriptive research design within the qualitative approach. The data was acquired through in-depth interviews and document study. Officials from the regional Department of Rural Housing (DRU) and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies were interviewed. The study revealed that there was a high priority on technical training on housing construction, promoting the use of impact-resistant building materials, passive solar design as well as surface and underground tanks as adaptation measures while promoting the use of energy efficient household appliances was the only climate change mitigation measure in the housing sector. The Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies on the other hand did not have specific institutional structures within the assemblies to deal with climate change issues in the housing sector. The study identified an insufficient finances, ineffective fiscal decentralization as well as logistics and equipment as the main challenges faced by the DRU in climate change response in the region. The study recommends that the department should be adequately resourced financially as well as working logistics and equipment to undertake their core functions

Impact of rebate program for energy-efficient household appliances on consumer purchasing decisions: The case of electric rice cookers in South Korea

The global energy efficiency market is expanding, and efforts to distribute highly energy-efficient household appliances continue worldwide. It is important to understand consumer attitudes towards household appliances with different energy efficiencies in order to create energy savings effects in the household sector. This study analyses consumer preference for electric rice cookers, and assesses the energy-saving and emission-reduction effects of a rebate program in South Korea. The preference data was collected from choice experiments, and then analysed using a mixed logit model. Estimation results show that there is heterogeneity in consumer preference for all attributes of the rice cooker, and consumers place a high importance on price attribute. The rebate program in the rice cooker market also has a considerable effect on consumer purchase decisions, and results in an annual reduction of 83.88 GWh of electricity consumption and 37,200 tons of CO2e, when a 10% rebate is provided for 1st grade energy-efficiency products. Several policy implications for the energy-efficiency market and energy-labeling program are suggested, based on the results of the analysis.

A Model-based Clustering Approach for Analyzing Energy-related Financial Literacy and Its Determinants

Recent research highlights the role of consumer’s energy-related financial literacy in adoption of energy efficient household appliances in order to reduce the energy-efficiency gap within the household sector. The computation of an indicator for such a literacy measure has followed a somewhat less refined approach though. This paper demonstrates the use of a model-based clustering strategy in order to differentiate the population based on the level of energy-related financial literacy. Using a Swiss data with 6, 722 respondents, we are able to identify three latent groups that represent low, mid and high levels of literacy. We use this new measure within an ordered logit setting with the goal of explaining the determinants of the level of energy-related financial literacy and compare empirical results using classical indicators and approaches. The empirical findings suggest a significant gender-gap among the Swiss population, i.e. females, even those with university education, are less likely to possess a high level of energy-related financial literacy. Individuals who display strong concern for free-riding on their own energy reduction behavior, are also found to have higher odds of belonging to the low literacy group. The results show that it is possible to identify latent classes that have a general and intuitive meaning and provides support to the model-based clustering approach as a sophisticated alternative. This could be a useful approach when empirical researchers are interested in (attribute-based) latent groups of consumers. The identification of latent classes also provides a possibility to target consumers belonging to these classes with specific policy measures in order to increase their level of literacy.

Promoting Energy Efficiency in an Emerging Market: Insights and Intervention Strategies

Promoting energy efficiency and conservation is an urgent imperative in responding to the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, particularly in emerging markets. This article provides insights into factors that may enhance or impede the purchase of energy-efficient household appliances in Vietnam. It also suggests intervention strategies to enhance the motivators and mitigate the barriers associated with energy-efficient appliance purchases. Data were collected from shoppers in popular electronics and appliance stores. The findings reveal that consumer purchasing behaviors are motivated by long-term savings, environmental protection, social influence, green self-identity and innovative technologies. Major barriers include lack of information, low level of credibility of energy rating labels, high prices, time consumption and limited product range.This article is of interest to policy-makers, social-environmental organizations, manufacturers and retailers in the development of more effective strategies for promoting energy efficiency and conservation. It extends current knowledge about environmentally responsible behavior in emerging markets such as Vietnam.

The impact of socioeconomic and behavioural factors for purchasing energy efficient household appliances: A case study for Denmark

Increasing the share of evermore energy efficient household electric appliances is one strategy to address environmental impacts arising from residential electricity demand. Hence, governments and energy actors are interested in the determining factors behind the consumer choice of conventional versus high efficiency labelled appliances. This study employs empirical survey data from the Danish Energy Agency to model influential factors behind Danish consumer choice of energy efficient appliances. To estimate consumer propensities, we use a logistic regression model over a set of socioeconomic, demographic, and behavioural variables. The study regresses over this unique combination of end-use behavioural variables by creating an energy efficiency index. Statistical results show that housing type, quantity of inhabitants, age, and end-use behaviour are strong predictors for choosing energy efficient appliances. Interestingly, income is a weaker predictor. Despite a relatively wealthy national income and well-educated population, information campaigns have been largely ineffective in driving high efficiency investments. In light of this study's results and exogenous factors such as urbanising demographics and shifting Danish housing stock towards apartments, the study suggests improved information campaigns by targeting key demographics.