Behavioral determinants of energy use in small commercial buildings; Implications for energy efficiency

Behavioral issues influencing energy use in small commercial buildings are explored using in-depth personal interviews with small-business owners and managers at a shopping center. Lack of feedback on energy consumption, separation of managers from costs, low energy costs relative to gross sales, and other factors distinguish this sector from the residential sector and are important influences on energy use in small commercial buildings. It is argued that traditional energy efficiency programs designed for the residential sector, such as audits and special rates, may not be appropriate in the small commercial sector, and that energy efficiency programs for this sector should recognize and exploit non-financial determinants of behavior, target decision makers, intervene at the time of retrofits and remodels, and improve user information using simple feedback methods.