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Behavioural modification framework to address wastage in household electricity consumption
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Behavioural modification framework to address wastage in household electricity consumption

S.K.A. Cheah, P.H.P. Yeow, S.R. Nair and F.B. Tan
Ergonomics, Vol.61(5), pp.627-643
2017
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Abstract

Household electricity wastage poses a sustainability issue. Ergonomic interventions that prevent wastage through technological innovations are expensive and complex, making consumers unwilling to adopt them. The study aimed to investigate the motivations and impediments in avoiding electricity wastage. Thirteen Repertory Grid interviews were conducted on household electricity users relating to the behaviour of those living with them. The key motivational themes found were altruistic and egoistic reasons while the impediments were perceived behavioural control, hedonism and self-efficacy. Based on the research findings, a behavioural modification framework was developed to encourage consumers to adopt a higher level of responsible electricity practice through the following suggested interventions – (1) reframing sustainability from ‘future-for-others’ to ‘present-for-us’, (2) clarifying responsible consumption and (3) performance feedback. The research identified the key motivations and impediments of being a responsible household electricity user and provided a framework to encourage a higher responsibility level. Practitioner Summary: Household electricity wastage poses sustainability issue: excess CO2 & high costs. We developed a mindset changing behavioural modification framework. We investigated HFE issues: motivations & impediments of avoiding the wastage, i.e. altruistic, egoistic, behavioural control, hedonism & self-efficacy. The framework provides governments insights into strategies to address the wastage.

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#2 Zero Hunger
#4 Quality Education
#12 Responsible Consumption & Production
#13 Climate Action
#14 Life Below Water
#15 Life on Land

Source: InCites

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
International collaboration
Citation topics
6 Social Sciences
6.73 Social Psychology
6.73.1507 Pro-environmental Behavior
Web Of Science research areas
Engineering, Industrial
Ergonomics
Psychology
Psychology, Applied
ESI research areas
Engineering
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