New research methods in identifying motivations for energy efficiency refurbishment of owner-occupied homes

Previous studies on home energy efficiency have traditionally focused on either the technical savings or on social aspects such as behavioural change. These studies have typically excluded the role of motivation, a key component in the implementation of energy efficiency refurbishment in owner-occupied housing. Previous research studies of motivation have typically incorporated Likert scales and questionnaire surveys, but this provides a somewhat superficial view of motivation and can result in disproportionate and inaccurate responses. A new research approach for investigating the motivation of home-owners for energy efficient refurbishment is presented. The approach incorporates in-depth interviews and a detailed physical survey of the properties to explore the underlying mechanisms for motivation for energy efficiency refurbishment, and to provide a means of comparison between cases. Through better integration of methods from the social science and surveying disciplines a more complete understanding of owner-occupier motivations for energy efficiency refurbishment and the underlying mechanisms affecting it can be realised.