Increasing energy efficiency in households: An analysis on predictors of energy-saving behaviour

At the hand of increased energy demand, global warming and climate change have become severe challenges for humankind worldwide. It becomes crucial to reduce the energy use of individuals to cope with this crisis. Therefore, a better understanding of psychological determinants that stimulate energy-saving behaviour is needed. This research studied the connection between seven constructs that were determined to impact an individual’s intention to save energy. A quantitative questionnaire survey design was utilised to examine the connection between Threat and Coping (PMT theory), Perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE), Collectivism, Resistance to change, Trust in Science, Political orientation, and energy-saving behaviour. The total sample consisted of 152 participants. Multiple regression analysis was performed to see if the constructs could predict energy-saving behaviour in households. Regression analysis showed that Perceived consumer effectiveness and Political orientation were antecedents of a household’s energy saving behavior. Indicating that higher Perceived consumer effectiveness can lead to more energy-saving behaviour in individuals, whereas a right-wing political orientation can induce less energy-saving behaviour in individuals. The findings of the study contribute to the understanding of psychological determinants’ influence on energy-saving behaviour. In addition, a new scale for measuring energy-saving behaviour in households has been developed, which can be used in further research. Keywords: Pro-environmental behaviour; Household energy consumption; Household energy conservation; Energy-saving behaviour; Behaviour; Antecedents; Protection Motivation theory; Threat; Coping; Perceived consumer effectiveness; Collectivism; Resistance to change; Trust in science; Political orientation