Work

Evidence on environmentally conscious consumers’ preferences for energy-use automation in Germany and Spain

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Can environmentally conscious consumers become a driving force in the uptake of energy-use automation? To help answer this question, we collect survey data from samples drawn from the general population in Germany and Spain (combined N = 2864). Self-reported rates of energy-use automation adoption reach 30.0% in the German sample and 41.0% in the Spanish sample. Environmental self-identity, environmental norms, and one's tendency toward environmentally friendly consumer behavior influence preferences for energy-use automation in Germany but not in Spain. We discuss the possibility that this difference could be attributed to energy-use automation becoming so normalized in Spain that psychological characteristics cease to play a significant role in adoption decisions. Certain other individual characteristics and structural conditions are associated with automation technology preferences, particularly age, gender, income, education, and dwelling type. • Results from two large-scale surveys are reported. • Approximately 30–40% of respondents utilize energy use automation tools. • Age, gender, income, education, and dwelling type predict automation use. • Environmental self-perceptions, norms and consumer preferences can predict automation use.

Source: Utilities Policy

DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2024.101861

Author: Stepan Vesely

Institution: Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Education and Sustainability

Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,600