Energy efficiency and appliance purchases in Europe: Consumer profiles and choice determinants

Energy efficiency and appliance’s characteristics considered prior to purchase: Differences and similarities between the United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, Greece, Poland, Spain and Italy

“…environmental attitudes and behaviors) which may also influence their decisions. In our view, this can allow policy makers and other stakeholders to devise both European wide initiatives (see based Gaspar and Antunes 2011) and country specific initiatives (this article) that may be complemented by local initiatives.…”

“…As referred above, differently from Gaspar and Antunes (2011) that analysed results for an aggregated sample of European countries to provide a "snapshot" at the European level, the data presented here focuses on the profile of each country in particular and on a country comparison, focused on the variables mentioned.…”

“…thermostats). In accordance, Gaspar and Antunes (2011) performed a study to understand the factors/characteristics typically considered when purchasing electrical appliances, at a European level. Results indicated that although people referred to cost as the most important characteristic to consider when choosing an appliance, they also reported quality and energy consumption as the two most important factors after it.…”

“…Haar and Theyel 2006) but it should also be resolved through changes in consumers behaviors, so that these technical solutions potential is used at its highest level. Accordingly, in order to achieve the best results in terms of energy saving and comply with carbon emission commitments, consumers, services (including retail sales staff) and government/policy makers all need to work together (Gaspar and Antunes 2011). On one side, this demands that consumers should be provided with effective information and tools.…”

“…In fact, these specificities may imply different levels of success when policy makers and other stakeholders need to implement energy efficiency programs and global policies at a national/regional/local level (see Roosa 2007). In a previous article (Gaspar and Antunes 2011) we aimed at providing contributions for a European wide policy with regard to domestic electrical appliances purchase and use, by defining typologies of consumers (based on socio-demographic and psychosocial characteristics) and the predictors of consideration of energy efficiency when purchasing an appliance. Differently, in this article, we will aim to provide contributions at the national level, considering the specificities of seven European countries, namely the differences and similarities between them.…”