Micro-generation schemes: user behaviours and attitudes towards energy consumption

Autor: Alex W. Stedmon, Robin Winslow, Alyson Langley
Rok vydání: 2013
Předmět:
Zdroj: Ergonomics. 56:440-450
ISSN: 1366-5847
0014-0139
DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2012.723140
Popis: In the last decade, there has been increasing pressure on developed nations to reduce their carbon emissions. Distributed micro-generation (MG) initiatives provide incentives for small-scale renewable energy generation, particularly by residential home-owners. This paper investigates the existing knowledge base to consider if living in a property with on-site renewable electricity generation may affect user attitudes and behaviours. This knowledge is interpreted from a human factors perspective by focussing on individual behaviour and social learning as well as identifying underlying user requirements and user needs. Suggestions are then made with regard to the effects that MG schemes may have on public attitudes and where further research efforts should be focused. There is evidence that renewable energy initiatives are likely to result in a shift in public behaviour, particularly towards reduced energy consumption where mechanisms for increased feedback can act as a facilitator to learning and motivator to change.The role of human factors/ergonomics in supporting renewable energy initiatives has not been fully exploited. A range of case studies explore user needs and awareness of renewable energy, presenting mixed evidence for reduced consumption. However, individual behaviour and social learning can be influenced through increased feedback that acts as a facilitator to change.
Databáze: OpenAIRE