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Article
Publication date: 26 December 2023

Nirmal Kaur, Sarbjit Singh Bedi and Jagwinder Singh

This study aims to examine the antecedents of purchase intention toward energy efficient air conditioners by incorporating the theory of planned behavior (TPB) with two additional…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the antecedents of purchase intention toward energy efficient air conditioners by incorporating the theory of planned behavior (TPB) with two additional constructs, i.e. environmental concern and personal norms. TPB is one of the most widely used theoretical framework to study consumer behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied a quantitative technique using a survey method by distributing self-administered questionnaires among the Indian households who have purchased energy efficient air conditioners in the past six months or had enquired to do so. The study collected data from three select regions: Delhi and NCR, Punjab and Tri-city. The collected data of 424 respondents have been analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings

The study posits that normative factors such as subjective norms and personal norms have a relatively higher influence on purchase intention. Despite the significant existence of environmental concern, the study did not find environmental concern directly influencing purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size of the study is too small and pertains to specific regions. Thus, it could hinder the generalizability of the results. Advertisement appeals should be related with enhancement of self-esteem in terms of making responsible and valuable contribution to environment protection through the purchase of energy efficient air conditioner.

Originality/value

There are a few studies in the Indian context studying consumer’s purchase intention toward energy efficient air conditioners to which this study adds. The study provides an important contribution to marketers in developing strategies for increasing purchase intention toward energy efficient air conditioners in view of their stage in the product life cycle, diffusion of product and influence of normative factors.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 June 2024

Razib Chandra Chanda, Ali Vafaei-Zadeh, Haniruzila Hanifah and T. Ramayah

This research aims to explore the factors influencing the adoption intention of eco-friendly smart home appliances among residents in densely populated urban areas of a developing…

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to explore the factors influencing the adoption intention of eco-friendly smart home appliances among residents in densely populated urban areas of a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach was employed to gather data from 348 respondents through purposive sampling. A comparative analysis strategy was then utilized to investigate the adoption of eco-friendly smart home appliances, combining both linear (PLS-SEM) and non-linear (fsQCA) approaches.

Findings

The results obtained from PLS-SEM highlight that performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, price value, and environmental knowledge significantly influence the adoption intention of eco-friendly smart home appliances. However, the findings suggest that effort expectancy, social influence, and habit are not significantly associated with customers' intention to adopt eco-friendly smart home appliances. On the other hand, the fsQCA results identified eight configurations of antecedents, offering valuable insights into interpreting the complex combined causal relationships among these factors that can generate (each combination) the adoption intention of eco-friendly smart home appliances among densely populated city dwellers.

Research limitations/implications

This study offers crucial marketing insights for various stakeholders, including homeowners, technology developers and manufacturers, smart home service providers, real estate developers, and government entities. The findings provide guidance on how these stakeholders can effectively encourage customers to adopt eco-friendly smart home appliances, aligning with future environmental sustainability demands. The research implications underscore the significance of exploring the antecedents that influence customers' adoption intention of eco-friendly technologies, contributing to the attainment of future sustainability goals.

Originality/value

The environmental sustainability of smart homes, particularly in densely populated city settings in developing countries, has received limited attention in previous studies. Therefore, this study aims to address the pressing issue of global warming and make a meaningful contribution to future sustainability goals related to smart housing technologies. Therefore, this study employs a comprehensive approach, combining both PLS-SEM (linear) and fsQCA (non-linear) techniques to provide a more thorough examination of the factors influencing the adoption of environmentally sustainable smart home appliances.

Details

Open House International, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 September 2024

Muhammad Muzummil Sibtain, Muhammad Hashim, Fausto Pedro García Márquez, Sajjad Ahmad Baig and Muhammad Nazam

The adoption of energy-efficient systems is crucial for Pakistan to meet its growing energy demand and address its energy challenges. However, adoption of these systems in…

Abstract

Purpose

The adoption of energy-efficient systems is crucial for Pakistan to meet its growing energy demand and address its energy challenges. However, adoption of these systems in Pakistan is hindered by several barriers, including economic constraints, lack of awareness and social attitudes toward sustainable development. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore adoption of energy-efficient household systems and the associated social influence.

Design/methodology/approach

The study incorporates social influence as a mediating factor to examine the relationships between awareness of consequences, perceived consumer effectiveness and attitudes toward the adoption of energy-efficient systems. A quantitative survey method was used to collect data from households from Faisalabad, Pakistan. A total of 203 valid questionnaires were received and data analyzed through SmartPLS 4 for structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results revealed that awareness of consequences positively impacts compliance, social identification and internalization, while perceived consumer effectiveness has a positive relationship with social identification and internalization. Moreover, the positive association of social identification and internalization with attitude were supported but relationship of compliance with attitude was unsupported.

Practical implications

The results may also be used to develop compelling marketing campaigns focusing environmental conservation and social influence for positive attitude development.

Originality/value

The study contributes to theoretical literature by examining the empirical relationships between specific individual characteristics and societal pressure that play a critical role in shaping attitudes toward the acceptance of energy-efficient systems. Additionally, the study's findings offer actionable implications for policymakers and marketers, contributing to the development of targeted interventions for promoting sustainable consumption.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2024

Richard Nkhoma, Vincent Dodoma Mwale and Tiyamike Ngonda

This study aims to examine the impact of socioeconomic factors on electricity usage and assess the feasibility of implementing a mini-grid system in Kasangazi, Malawi. The primary…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of socioeconomic factors on electricity usage and assess the feasibility of implementing a mini-grid system in Kasangazi, Malawi. The primary aim is to understand the community’s current and potential utilisation of electrical equipment.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods approach was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Information was gathered through structured questionnaires, and energy audits were conducted among 87 randomly selected households from 28 Kasangazi communities. Data analysis relied on descriptive statistics using IBM SPSS version 28.

Findings

The study indicates that every household in Kasangazi uses non-renewable energy sources: 60 households use disposable batteries for lighting, 20 for radios and all use firewood, freely sourced from local forests, for cooking and heating water. The study shows that firewood is the community’s preferred energy source, illustrating the challenges faced in the fight against deforestation. Most household income comes from farming, with smaller contributions from businesses, employment and family remittances. Access to higher education is scarce, with only one out of 349 family members receiving tertiary education. Despite the constraints of low education levels and income, there is a demand for larger electrical appliances such as stoves and refrigerators. This underscores the need for mini-grid solutions, even in less technologically advanced, agriculture-dependent communities.

Originality/value

This study underscores that in Sub-Saharan Africa, factors like household size, income and education levels do not significantly influence the electricity demand but should be taken as part of the fundamental human rights. Rural populations express a desire for electricity due to the convenience it offers, particularly for appliances like refrigerators and stoves. Mini-grids emerge as a viable alternative in regions where grid electricity provision is challenging. It is concluded from this paper that the issue of using renewable energy should not only be taken for environmental preservation but also to promote energy access, augmenting efforts in supplying electricity to the remotest parts of the country.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 13 February 2024

Tarig Zeinelabdeen Yousif Ahmed, Mawahib Eltayeb Ahmed, Quosay A. Ahmed and Asia Adlan Mohamed

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) of countries has some of the highest electricity consumptions and carbon dioxide emissions per capita in the world. This poses a direct…

Abstract

Purpose

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) of countries has some of the highest electricity consumptions and carbon dioxide emissions per capita in the world. This poses a direct challenge to the GCC government’s ability to meet their CO2 reduction targets. In this review paper the current household electricity consumption situation in the GCC is reviewed.

Design/methodology/approach

Three scenarios for reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions are proposed and evaluated using strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) as well as the political, economic, social, technical, legal and environmental (PESTLE) frameworks.

Findings

The first scenario found that using solar Photovoltaic (PV) or hybrid solar PV and wind system to power household lighting could save significant amounts of energy, based on lighting making up between 8% to 30% of electricity consumption in GCC households. The second scenario considers replacement of conventional appliances with energy-efficient ones that use around 20% less energy. The third scenario looks at influencing consumer behavior towards sustainable energy consumption.

Practical implications

Pilot trials of these scenarios are recommended for a number of households. Then the results and feedback could be used to launch the schemes GCC-wide.

Social implications

The proposed scenarios are designed to encourage responsible electricity consumption and production within households (SDG12).

Originality/value

All three proposals are found viable for policymakers to implement. However, to ensure successful implementation GCC Governments are recommended to review all the opportunities and challenges associated with these schemes as laid out in this paper.

Details

Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-9899

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 July 2024

Hebatallah Abdulhalim Mahmoud Abdulfattah, Ahmed Ahmed Fikry and Reham Eldessuky Hamed

The study aims to tackle Egypt's rising electricity consumption due to climate change and population growth, focusing on the building sector, which accounts for up to 60% of the…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to tackle Egypt's rising electricity consumption due to climate change and population growth, focusing on the building sector, which accounts for up to 60% of the issue, by developing new energy-efficient design guidelines for Egyptian buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

This study comprises six key steps. A literature review focuses on energy consumption and efficiency in buildings, monitoring a single-family building in Cairo, using Energy Plus for simulation and verification, performing multi-objective optimization, comparing energy performance between base and controlled cases, and developing a localized version of the Passive House (PH) called Energy Efficiency Design Criteria (EEDC).

Findings

The research shows that applying the (EEDC) suggested by this study can decrease energy consumption by up to 58% and decrease cooling consumption by up to 63% in residential buildings in Egypt while providing thermal comfort and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This can benefit users, alleviate local power grid strain, contribute to Egypt's economy, and serve as a model for other countries with similar climates.

Originality/value

To date, no studies have focused on developing energy-efficient design standards tailored to the Egyptian climate and context using the Passive House Criteria concept. This study contributes to the field by identifying key principles, design details, and goal requirements needed to promote energy-efficient design standards for residential buildings in Egypt.

Details

Open House International, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 September 2023

Khadidja El-Bahdja Djebbar and Abderahemane Mokhtari

This study aims to examine the awareness of the inhabitants regarding energy consumption in relation to comfort in Tlemcen and analyze the paths of influence and the effects of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the awareness of the inhabitants regarding energy consumption in relation to comfort in Tlemcen and analyze the paths of influence and the effects of individual objective and subjective characteristic factors. This determines the factors' level of perception of the importance of energy retrofitting.

Design/methodology/approach

As part of an exploratory empirical study, this paper further discusses accompanied survey data from a sample of 208 properties, through a triangulation of in-depth qualitative studies and quantitative studies developed and analyzed by SPSS software (the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences).

Findings

Analysis of the results of the survey shows that the respondents have a level of awareness on comfort linked to energy savings but they lack guidance and recourse to specialists. The conclusion is that resident awareness is crucial and beneficial and that the key socio-demographic characteristics to determine the perception factors are related to age, occupation, household size and time lived in the house.

Originality/value

By exploring some of the key insights from the survey, this research improves residents' perception of the importance of energy retrofitting in the residential sector, highlighting the importance of priorities. This influences public attitudes and contributes to raising awareness in order to provide useful results for developing, in future studies, motivational strategies for these inhabitants. The present research is expected to add value to existing studies academically and methodologically and provide policy guidance to policy makers and other energy efficiency (EE) practitioners in the Maghreb region and beyond.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 August 2024

John Aliu, Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke, Onoriode Austin Odia, Prince O. Akanni, Feyisetan Leo-Olagbaye and Clinton Aigbavboa

Recognizing the importance of sustainable development, environmental economic practices have gained significant attention globally as effective measures to mitigate environmental…

Abstract

Purpose

Recognizing the importance of sustainable development, environmental economic practices have gained significant attention globally as effective measures to mitigate environmental degradation and promote resource conservation. Therefore this study identifies and evaluates the barriers hindering the implementation of environmental economic practices in the Nigerian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach, utilizing a well-structured questionnaire, was employed to collect data from construction professionals. The Shapiro-Wilk normality test was utilized to assess the normality of the data, while the Kruskal-Wallis H-test was employed to investigate potential significant differences in opinions among various categories of respondents. Subsequently, exploratory factor analysis was conducted to identify underlying patterns and relationships within the collected data.

Findings

The top five barriers were: prioritization of short-term financial gain over long-term benefits, inefficient and unreliable energy supply systems, inadequate disposal and management of waste, insufficient funding and investment and high costs associated with sustainable construction practices. Furthermore, four critical clusters of barriers were revealed, which are regulatory-related, financial and economic-related, technical and logistical-related and knowledge-related.

Practical implications

These clusters can guide policymakers, industry professionals and educators in developing tailored strategies to overcome barriers within each specific category, fostering a more holistic and effective approach toward sustainable practices in the construction sector.

Originality/value

The findings of this study were compared with results from similar cases in Iran, China and New Zealand to provide a cross-cultural perspective on challenges faced by different regions. This comparative analysis aims to identify both commonalities and unique factors, contributing to a much deeper understanding of sustainable construction practices on a global scale.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 May 2024

Chijioke Emmanuel Emere, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Wellington Didibhuku Thwala and Opeoluwa Israel Akinradewo

Successful project delivery for sustainable building construction (SBC) has been linked to certain features. Previous studies have emphasised the need to improve SBC practice in…

Abstract

Purpose

Successful project delivery for sustainable building construction (SBC) has been linked to certain features. Previous studies have emphasised the need to improve SBC practice in South Africa. The purpose of this study is to explore the SBC features for project delivery in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire elicited the primary data from 281 built environment professionals, mainly in South Africa’s Gauteng province. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the data analysis. This study used the principal component analysis technique to ascertain the principal SBC features.

Findings

Three components of SBC features, namely, sustainable resource use and compliance, sustainable waste minimisation and recycling and sustainable designs and materials, were developed from the principal component analysis. The factor loadings of the constituent variables ranged from 0.570 to 0.836. The reliability of each component was evaluated, and the results were 0.966, 0.931 and 0.913.

Practical implications

The revelations from this study will aid the decision-making of the relevant stakeholders towards establishing improvement initiatives and mitigating the reluctance to shift from conventional building methods and poor knowledge sharing of SBC benefits.

Originality/value

This is one of the most recent South African studies that sheds light on the components of a successful SBC deployment. The findings of this study added to knowledge by confirming three fundamental features of SBC. This study recommends adequately considering the principal features for successful SBC project delivery in South Africa.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 November 2023

Adela Bâra and Simona Vasilica Oprea

This paper aims to investigate and formulate several business models (BM) for various energy communities (EC) members: prosumers, storage facilities, electric vehicle (EV…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate and formulate several business models (BM) for various energy communities (EC) members: prosumers, storage facilities, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, aggregators and local markets.

Design/methodology/approach

One of the flexibility drivers is triggered by avoiding the cost and maximizing value that consists of delivering a service such as increasing generation or reducing consumption when it is valued most. The transition to greener economies led to the emergence of aggregators that aggregate bits of flexibility and handle the interest of their providers, e.g. small entities such as consumers, prosumers and other small service providers. On one hand, the research method consists of formulating six BM and implementing a BM that includes several consumers and an aggregator, namely, scheduling the household electricity consumption (downstream) and using flexibility to obtain revenue or avoid the cost. This is usually performed by reducing or shifting the consumption from peak to off-peak hours when the energy is cheaper. Thus, the role of aggregators in EC is significant as they intermediate small-scale energy threads and large entities' requirements, such as grid operators or retailers. On the other hand, in the proposed BM, the aggregators' strategy (upstream) will be to minimize the cost of electricity procurement using consumers’ flexibility. They set up markets to buy flexibility that is valued as long as their costs are reduced.

Findings

Interesting insights are revealed, such as when the flexibility price doubles, the deficit coverage increases from 62% to 91% and both parties, consumers and retailers obtain financial benefits from the local market.

Research limitations/implications

One of the limitations of using the potential of flexibility is related to the high costs that are necessary to implement direct load control. Another issue is related to the data privacy aspects related to the breakdown of electricity consumption. Furthermore, data availability for scientific research is limited. However, this study expects that new BM for various EC members will emerge in the future largely depending on Information Communications and Technology developments.

Practical implications

An implementation of a local flexibility market (LFM) using 114 apartments with flexible loads is proposed, demonstrating the gains obtained from trading flexibility. For LFM simulation, this study considers exemplifying a BM using 114 apartments located in a multi-apartment building representing a small urban EC situated in the New England region in North America. Open data recorded in 2016 is provided by UMassTraceRepository.

Originality/value

As a novelty, six BM are proposed considering a bottom-up approach and including various EC members.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

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