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Motivations for energy efficiency refurbishment in owner-occupied housing

Organ, Samantha; Proverbs, David; Squires, Graham

Authors

Samantha Organ

David Proverbs

Graham Squires



Abstract

Purpose: The existing housing stock needs substantial adaptation to meet national and international carbon reduction targets. The largest proportion of housing is owner-occupied, and will require improvement works which go beyond those measures provided through the Green Deal and similar programmes. Therefore, the motivation of owner-occupiers to perform more substantial energy efficiency refurbishments is essential to facilitate greater action. This paper aims to address these issues. Design/methodology/approach: A synthesis of the extant literature from a range of disciplines reveals the role of motivation and the factors influencing motivation and pro-environmental action in the context of the home. Based on this synthesis of the literature, a new motivation model for energy efficiency refurbishment in the owner-occupied housing stock is then described. Findings: The study has found that multiple factors affect motivation to refurbish in the owner-occupied housing stock. Key motivations for energy efficient refurbishment can be categorized into the broad themes of economic, social, and environmental motivations. These motivations will be affected by a wide number of interrelated internal and external factors and mediated by the emotions of the individual. The model presented demonstrates the relationship between the multiple factors that affect energy efficiency refurbishment in relation to specific contexts. Originality/value: The study represents a potential addition to motivational theory and concepts for use within the field of energy efficient refurbishment of the owner-occupied housing stock. Implications for future government policy and towards raising the motivation of owner-occupiers are identified: it can be used to shape national and local policy and information campaigns to motivate energy efficiency refurbishment in the owner-occupied housing stock. To be successful, this should take differing internal factors and contexts into consideration and the dynamic nature of owner-occupier motivation. The model can also be used by industry professionals to better understand the owner-occupier customer motivations for energy efficiency refurbishment and therein provide a better service. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Citation

Organ, S., Proverbs, D., & Squires, G. (2013). Motivations for energy efficiency refurbishment in owner-occupied housing. Structural Survey, 31(2), 101-120. https://doi.org/10.1108/02630801311317527

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date May 1, 2013
Journal Structural Survey
Print ISSN 0263-080X
Electronic ISSN 1758-6844
Publisher Emerald
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 31
Issue 2
Pages 101-120
DOI https://doi.org/10.1108/02630801311317527
Keywords energy efficiency, refurbishment, owner-occupied housing, motivation (psychology), motivations, owner-occupation, private ownership, refurbishment
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/939768