A determination of the attitudes towards energy use and conservation of users (homeowners) and providers (housebuilders) of domestic dwellings and their influence upon co2 emissions

UK energy use in domestic housing forms an important part of the Government's programme to reduce CC>2 emissions, the sector contributing nearly one third of total CC>2 emissions. The research established that within the parameters of legislation, market economy and high levels of homeownership, the attitude of users (homeowners) and providers (housebuilders) effectively determine the contribution that this sector will make to reducing CC>2 emissions. The research aim was to determine whether the attitudes of users (homeowners) and providers (housebuilders) are conducive to a reduction in CC>2 emissions from domestic dwellings. The study undertook a large-scale survey of users (homeowners) attitudes towards energy use and conservation. The research concluded that users (homeowners) attitudes are not conducive to a reduction in CCh emissions. Results of the study established the existence of a link between the attitudes of users (homeowners) towards energy conservation and CC>2 emissions. The study identified that users (homeowners) attitudes towards energy use and conservation are not the homogeneous. A premise that the Government had always assumed. More specifically, three distinguishable groups of users were identified; the elderly, the income sensitive and the ambivalent. The study identified that the knowledge levels and awareness of users (homeowners) towards energy is low, despite two decades of cognitive information campaigns regarding energy conservation from the Government. The study also determined that previous government campaigns to reduce energy use have been largely ineffective, their effects at best, transitory. Finally, the study identified that maintenance of comfort is the most significant factor in the use of energy by users (homeowners). The survey of providers (housebuilders) determined their attitude towards energy use and conservation. The study determined for the first time the attitudes of providers (housebuilders) to energy conservation and CC>2 emissions. It showed them to act unitarily and to be singularly driven by profit. The research concluded that providers (housebuilders) attitudes are not conducive to a reduction in CC>2 emissions. The results show that providers are exceptionally attuned to their market and respond only to commercial demands and legislation. Providers do not consider energy efficiency to be an important issue in new homes. No market exists for energy efficiency in housing. Users will not pay a premium for energy measures in housing.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Greenwich

Year dc:date.issued

2001

Author dc:creator

• Pyle, Joanne Marie

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Jones, Keith

• HD Industries. Land use. Labor
• NA Architecture

Language dc:language

en