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1 – 10 of over 6000Sumit Kumar Maji and Puja Chakraborty
Energy-related financial literacy (ERFL) which consists of energy literacy, financial literacy and lifecycle cost literacy, can play an instrumental role in addressing climate…
Abstract
Purpose
Energy-related financial literacy (ERFL) which consists of energy literacy, financial literacy and lifecycle cost literacy, can play an instrumental role in addressing climate change by ensuring efficient energy consumption (macro level benefit) and promoting financial well-being (micro level benefit) of households. This study aims to highlight the ERFL level and its effect on the energy consumption of the sample households in the state of West Bengal, India.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used primary data on 155 sample households from the two districts, i.e. Hooghly and North 24 Parganas in West Bengal, India, surveyed from September 2022 to November 2022 using a structured questionnaire. The study used the conceptual framework suggested by Blasch et al. (2018) to measure the ERFL. Pertinent statistical techniques and the ordinary least square regression method were used to attain the objectives of the study.
Findings
The outcome of the study showed that the average ERFL score was found to be moderate (63%). The findings of the study also indicated that the ERFL exerts a positive influence on reducing energy consumption among the sample households in India.
Originality/value
There is a dearth of research studies on the topic of ERFL around the globe. The very few studies so far conducted are mostly in the context of European economies and Nepal. Perhaps, to the best of the our knowledge, this is the first study on the issue of ERFL in the Indian context. Therefore, the present study will make an original contribution to the small but growing scholarship on ERFL.
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Debby R E Cotton, Wendy Miller, Jennie Winter, Ian Bailey and Stephen Sterling
This paper aims to investigate students’ energy literacy at a UK university, and recommends ways in which it can be enhanced using a behaviour change model. Developing students’…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate students’ energy literacy at a UK university, and recommends ways in which it can be enhanced using a behaviour change model. Developing students’ energy literacy is a key part of the “greening” agenda, yet little is known about how students develop their ideas about energy use and energy saving at a university.
Design/methodology/approach
The research utilised a mixed-methods approach including an online survey (with 1,136 responses) and focus groups.
Findings
The research identified strengths and weaknesses in students’ energy literacy, and noted the relative influence of formal and informal curricula. The potential for aligning these curricula is highlighted through the 4Es model of enable, engage, exemplify and encourage.
Research limitations/implications
The research involved a single instrumental case-study site. The wider applicability of the findings should therefore be tested further in other institutions.
Practical implications
The research suggests ways in which universities might better support their students in making more sustainable energy-related behaviour choices, and it indicates the importance of knowledge as well as attitudes.
Social implications
The research may have implications for the energy-saving behaviours of individuals in the wider society.
Originality/value
Attempts to reduce energy use in higher education are widely seen in campus operations. This research provides an indication of the potential for enhancing energy-saving through different forms of curricula.
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Unai Ortega Lasuen, Maria Arritokieta Ortuzar Iragorri and Jose Ramon Diez
This paper aims to present the results of a study aimed at performing a first diagnosis of energy literacy and energy use in a Faculty of Education, by means of identifying energy…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present the results of a study aimed at performing a first diagnosis of energy literacy and energy use in a Faculty of Education, by means of identifying energy consumption patterns, as well as energy literacy and commitments regarding energy transition. This diagnosis is the basis for establishing the foundations of a path toward energy transition in the faculty and further designing energy saving and education strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative and qualitative data were collected in a mixed-method approach. A survey was arranged to assess the attitudes, habits and knowledge regarding the current energy system within the community of the Faculty (407 responses). Comparisons among the main collectives that make up the community were performed, i.e. students, teaching and research staff and management and services staff. In parallel, the general electric consumption of the faculty was monitored. The results of these diagnostics were presented at several forums and workshops on energy transition held in the faculty where personal commitments in favor of energy transition were gathered and further categorized (105 initiatives).
Findings
Positive attitudes toward energy saving were observed, reflecting in different generic habits. Additionally, some belief or hope for a technological solution for current and future energy problems was detected, as well as a lower level of implication or commitment when specifying personal attitudes. Similarly, widespread ignorance of the current energy context was revealed, regarding both the energy system and household energy consumption. Concerning the undertaking of personal commitments, low impact energy saving habits prevailed, and knowledge was not identified as being a necessary element of energy saving education in attitudes and habits.
Practical implications
This research provides relevant information for the design of educational interventions to promote energy literacy in higher education institutions.
Originality/value
The survey provides valuable insights regarding future educators’ and their current teachers’ energy literacy in a challenging energy context. The lack of general knowledge about the energy context in the community, together with the limited impact of the commitments gathered among students, stresses the need for integration of basic energy contents, both within education degrees and the management strategy of the faculty.
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De-Graft Owusu-Manu, Rhoda Ansah Quaigrain, David John Edwards, Mabel Hammond, Mavis Hammond and Chris Roberts
Energy conservation literacy within households is a contemporary and topical issue globally. However, scant research has been conducted on energy-saving literacy amongst Ghanaian…
Abstract
Purpose
Energy conservation literacy within households is a contemporary and topical issue globally. However, scant research has been conducted on energy-saving literacy amongst Ghanaian households. To substantiate the problem, this paper aims to examine energy conservation literacy and behaviours among Ghanaian households in the Greater Accra Region.
Design/methodology/approach
The study assessed household electricity use and explored determinants of household energy conservation behaviours. Data was collected through a survey administered to households within the target region and analysed using descriptive statistics and Spearmen’s rank correlation.
Findings
Results showed electricity conservation among households is greatly influenced by the number of household occupants, household income levels, and the quality and quantity of appliances. The study also found that conservation behaviours are positively correlated to the number of occupants, household income levels, the quantity of electrical appliances, age of household members, number of rooms and level of urbanization within the home’s geographical region. Cumulatively, the findings suggest households held positive attitudes towards efficient energy practices. Enigmatically, the use of energy-conserving alternative technologies was not widely used by households; hence, this factor does not significantly affect household energy conservation.
Research limitations/implications
Although limited to Ghana’s capital region, the findings can be used to inform policy and regulations at the regional and national levels in designing an efficient and effective mechanism to reduce the country’s overall energy use.
Practical implications
Premised upon the findings, the study recommends an intensification of education and awareness-creation on various energy-saving regulations and initiatives and thorough education on the usage of standardized (approved) refrigerators to promote the consistent adoption of energy conservation measures among households.
Originality/value
This study pioneers investigations into the influence of household demographic variables on overall electricity conservation behaviours exhibited by Ghanaian households
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Godwell Nhamo, Charles Nhemachena, Senia Nhamo, Vuyo Mjimba and Ivana Savić
Adi Ainurzaman Jamaludin, Nurul Emy Idayu Zulkifli, Saherra Bharin, Rohana Jani, Mohd Istajib Mokhtar, Sarina Abdul Halim-Lim, Wan Abd Al Qadr Imad Wan-Mohtar and Zul Ilham
This paper aims to evaluate the awareness level of university students on energy conservation by focusing on their knowledge, attitude and practice. Energy awareness is a feasible…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to evaluate the awareness level of university students on energy conservation by focusing on their knowledge, attitude and practice. Energy awareness is a feasible energy conservation measure, but an inappropriate approach can cause the wastage of resources. The current number of reported awareness studies especially among the university student is quite limited, and focus is more given to the awareness on renewable energy, instead of energy conservation.
Design/methodology/approach
A paper-based survey using a set of questionnaires that involved 2,857 respondents. There are four sections in this questionnaire, which are basic background information of respondents, knowledge (yes/true or no/false choice of responses), attitude (a scale of 1–10, where 10 indicates “strongly agree” and 1 chooses “strongly disagree”) and practices (a scale of 1–10, where 10 indicates “Always” and 1 selects “Never”). The evaluation includes the correlation analysis of all awareness variables with an educational background to disclose the most critical aspects that should be highly considered in the forthcoming awareness campaign.
Findings
This research revealed that university students have a high level of awareness of energy conservation. They hold a high knowledge level and show a positive attitude with very good energy conservation practices. However, some issues require serious attention in preparing energy management plans. Effective approaches should be taken by considering the field of study, gender and family economic status to enhance the awareness level of the university students on energy conservation.
Originality/value
The absence of appropriate references complicates the preparation of energy management plans including the establishment of energy policy and strategies. The findings of this research can contribute some contextual information in the local perspective to ensure the effectiveness of the energy management program and strengthen academic leadership by emphasising the element of sustainability. This is crucial for developing an energy saving culture among the young generation that will be our future scholars and leaders.
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Amanda Lange Salvia, Luciana Londero Brandli, Walter Leal Filho, Bianca Gasparetto Rebelatto and Giovana Reginatto
Considering the different roles universities can perform to contribute to sustainable development, it is through teaching and outreach that they might be able to connect to the…
Abstract
Purpose
Considering the different roles universities can perform to contribute to sustainable development, it is through teaching and outreach that they might be able to connect to the academic and local communities the most. The purpose of this study is to investigate the extent to which energy sustainability is being considered in campus teaching and outreach activities of different higher education institutions worldwide. In this context, this exploratory study was developed.
Design/methodology/approach
Through an online survey, a group of 36 universities from all continents was inquired about the level of sustainability in energy aspects of teaching and outreach activities, including curriculum change, training courses for staff and the regularity of outreach projects.
Findings
The results allowed global analysis concerning challenges and opportunities of these educational activities. This study also touches upon the interconnection between these practices and the contribution of universities towards the 2030 Agenda, and how universities can expand their activities and contribute practically to society. In terms of practical contributions, this study provides recommendations for higher education institutions to develop further in the area of energy sustainability through teaching and outreach.
Originality/value
Energy is a sustainability aspect relatively well covered by actions on campus operations, but there is a paucity of studies connecting this topic to teaching and outreach activities. This study is an approach to not only fill this gap but also reinforce the university role and contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.
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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.
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Robert T. Green and Trina L. Larsen
What happens to export markets when the nations in which customers reside experience a sudden, unanticipated change in a relevant aspect of the environment? Which goods exported…
Abstract
What happens to export markets when the nations in which customers reside experience a sudden, unanticipated change in a relevant aspect of the environment? Which goods exported to these nations tend to be affected more than others? The study reported in this paper examines the impact that the oil shock of the 1970s had on world export markets. This sudden environmental change caused some nations to obtain sudden wealth and others to experience instant economic problems. The findings of the study illustrate the range of consequences for export markets that can occur, depending on the manner in which nations are affected by sudden change.
Imran Khan and Darshita Fulara Gunwant
South Asia is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world. With its fast economic development, the energy requirement for the region has rapidly grown. As the region relies…
Abstract
Purpose
South Asia is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world. With its fast economic development, the energy requirement for the region has rapidly grown. As the region relies mainly on nonrenewable energy sources and is suffering from issues like pollution, the high cost of energy imports, depleting foreign reserves, etc. it is searching for those factors that can help enhance the renewable energy generation for the region. Thus, taking these issues into consideration, this paper aims to investigate the impact of macroeconomic factors that can contribute to the enhancement of renewable energy output in South Asia.
Design/methodology/approach
An autoregressive distributed lag methodology has been applied to examine the long-term effects of remittance inflows, literacy rate, energy imports, government expenditures and urban population growth on the renewable energy output of South Asia by using time series data from 1990 to 2021.
Findings
The findings indicated that remittance inflows have a negative and insignificant long-term effect on renewable electricity output. While it was discovered that energy imports, government spending and urban population growth have negative but significant effects on renewable electricity output, literacy rates have positive and significant effects.
Originality/value
Considering the importance of renewable energy, this is one of the few studies that has included critical macroeconomic variables that can affect renewable energy output for the region. The findings contribute to the body of knowledge that a high literacy level is crucial for promoting renewable energy output, while governments and policymakers should prioritize reducing energy imports and ensuring that government expenditures on renewable energy output are properly used. SAARC, the governing body of the region, also benefits from this study while devising the renewable energy output policies for the region.
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