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

S. Organ, G. Squires, D. G. Proverbs, Graham Squires

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment
Pages487-498
Number of pages12
Volume179 VOLUME 1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Event8th International Conference on Urban Regeneration and Sustainability, SC 2013 - Putrajaya, Malaysia
Duration: 3 Dec 20135 Dec 2013

Conference

Conference8th International Conference on Urban Regeneration and Sustainability, SC 2013
Country/TerritoryMalaysia
CityPutrajaya
Period3/12/135/12/13

Keywords

  • Energy efficiency
  • Housing
  • Interviews
  • Motivation
  • Owner-occupier
  • Refurbishment
  • Surveys

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Science(all)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'New research methods in identifying motivations for energy efficiency refurbishment of owner-occupied homes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this