Home energy efficiency – review of evidence on attitudes and behaviours

Individuals and households can make a significant impact in reducing their carbon emissions by improving energy efficiency in the home. However, there is a wide range of individual, social and material factors that influence attitudes to and uptake of home energy efficiency measures. In many cases, factors such as social norms, individuals’ values and existing infrastructure can act as barriers to improving household energy efficiency. Understanding these factors can help policy makers in developing effective interventions to encourage household energy efficiency.

This report reviews the evidence on householders’ attitudes and behaviours in relation to home energy efficiency, focusing on the different measures that the householder can take to improve the energy efficiency of their property.

The report identifies certain ‘trigger points’ during the life of the home when energy efficiency measures may be easier to implement. These trigger points may provide valuable opportunities for policymakers to target households with energy efficiency policy interventions.

The work in this report is based on the Scottish Government’s ISM model for behaviour change.

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