Knowledge, agency and collective action as barriers to energy-saving behaviour

Abstract

Energy saving is becoming a rising priority as a response to climate change and fossil-fuel depletion in recent years. However, despite energy-related behaviour change being an important part of many environmental education initiatives, 'energy literacy' among citizens remains patchy in both the US and the UK, with evidence of strong positive attitudes but less consistent knowledge. Whilst it is clear that increasing knowledge does not automatically produce behaviour changes, potential questions must be asked about the logic of focusing solely on behaviour without simultaneously exploring and enhancing understandings of energy issues. This research, undertaken at a higher education institution with a strong focus on sustainability, illustrates the potential risks of targeting behaviour change and individual action at the expense of increasing knowledge, or encouraging collaborative and democratic endeavours. Results from an online survey indicate widespread misconceptions about energy which may reduce the effectiveness of energy-saving behaviours, alongside variable levels of motivation and engagement with energy issues. Respondents report a strong belief in the efficacy of personal changes, yet uncertainty about their capacity to influence business and government alongside a persistent faith in science to provide solutions to energy issues. The paper concludes by reflecting on the challenges arising from these findings for understanding agency and effectiveness in energy relationships.

An investigation into domestic energy consumption behaviour and public awareness of renewable energy in Qatar

“…The findings by Pothitou, et al, [25] and Cotton, et al, [26] are confirmed by some of the results of this study. For instance, the survey participants were asked if they opened a window to allow fresh air in the house while their air-conditioning systems are on, see Figure 2.…”

“…Research in Ireland and Brazil has also indicated that an improvement in insulation and enhanced energy efficiency measures in buildings can contribute significantly in reducing energy consumption [24,25]. The link between environmental knowledge and energy conservation was found to exist in a study conducted by Cotton et al [26]. The study found that, in general terms, simply directing and encouraging energy conservation behaviour is not sufficient to change consumption habits.…”

“…The study found that, in general terms, simply directing and encouraging energy conservation behaviour is not sufficient to change consumption habits. Instead the key to changing energy consumption behaviour is through improved education so that consumers gain a full understanding of why energy conservation is imperative [26]. Pothitou, Hanna, and Hanna, conducted a study on the link between energy conservation and environmental knowledge, specifically considering domestic energy consumption [27].…”

Energy saving on campus: a comparison of students' attitudes and reported behaviours in the UK and Portugal

“…In this set of statements, BU is highest on "Turning off lights when they are not in use" as well as "Turn down the heat", and UBI (PT) is superior in "Avoid charging mobile phones overnight". The latter behaviour is one that is infrequently reported across all universities and is an issue which is generally poorly understood by students (Cotton et al, 2015b). By observing the results of F statistics, all the variables are significant for differentiating between the groups (p< 0,05) except the variable "Try to save water" (p>0,05), which nonetheless allows us to reject H 2 .…”

“…Some questions were also posed to gather demographic information such as age, gender and nationality. (See Cotton et al, (2015b) for further information about survey development.) After collection, the data were analysed and interpreted using the statistical software SPSS 21.0 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences).…”