Work

Socio-Demographic Correlates of Energy Concern and Smart-Home Engagement: A MIMIC Analysis from Guangdong, China

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Understanding the socio-demographic drivers of residential energy-saving behavior is critical for designing effective energy policies and technologies. This study applies a Multiple Indicators, Multiple Causes (MIMIC) model to examine how individual characteristics are associated with two latent constructs: energy concern and smart-home interest and usage. Using survey data collected from urban residents in Guangdong Province (N = 261), structural equation modeling was employed to assess both measurement and structural components of the model. The results show that income is positively associated with both energy concern and smart-home interest and usage, whereas being a bill payer is negatively related to both. Gender also plays a role, with females reporting higher energy concern. Other factors, such as age, education, and time spent at home, did not show significant effects. The model showed acceptable global fit indices; however, the reliability and convergent validity of the latent constructs were limited. Accordingly, the findings should be interpreted as exploratory associations observed within this sample and may serve as a basis for future research on segmentation in similar urban contexts.

Source: Energies

DOI: 10.3390/en19071630

Authors: Nankai Cheng, Joaquim A. Casaca, Hande Ayanoglu, Rute Gomes

Institutions: University of Lisbon, Centro de Investigação em Arquitetura Urbanismo e Design, Instituto de Artes Visuais, Design e Marketing, Unidade de Investigação em Design e Comunicação

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Education and Sustainability

Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137