Towards more effective behavioural energy policy: An integrative modelling approach to residential energy consumption in Europe

Energy behaviours represent an important underexploited resource in the context of promoting end-use energy efficiency, namely in the residential sector. However, addressing the multidimensional nature of energy behaviours is a complex task and more effective behaviour change interventions and policies grounded on comprehensive approaches are required. An integrative intervention to explore the influence of usage energy behaviours on energy consumption was developed through an innovative combination of modelling techniques. A real-world case study was utilised to generate contextualised understanding. This intervention supported problem structuring methods as pertinent tools to be utilised in complex human-centred energy research, such as energy behaviours, by enabling the development of tailored methodologies which minimise the human bias. It further confirmed real-world behaviour change interventions should involve the different energy stakeholders and be designed to be flexible and adaptive. Results confirmed variables associated with different dimensions significantly impact energy consumption. In this case study the promotion of residential energy efficiency includes both structural and energy behavioural actions, namely a better insulation of the dwellings and encouraging specific usage energy behaviours. These results support the need to consider an integrative perspective when addressing energy behaviours and designing effective behavioural change interventions and energy efficiency policies.

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