Effects of Crises on House Renovation Decisions: Changes in Attitudes and Behaviors
2023 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE credits
Student thesis
Sustainable development
The essay/thesis is mainly on sustainable development according to the University's criteria
Abstract [en]
Energy efficiency in residential buildings is at the core of both the European Union's and Sweden’s policies and incentives. Despite ambitious plans and supporting regulatory environments, the rate of renovations in such buildings remains far from the level that is considered optimal for achieving the Union's energy goals. The perceptions of homeowners regarding energy renovations and their attitude towards them have been recognized as one of the most important hindering factors for that low rate. The COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing energy crisis, and the heightened awareness of climate change present challenges that necessitate a substantial change in homeowners' behaviors to address. This study specifically examines the attitudes and behaviors of 21 owners of detached houses in the Kronoberg region of Sweden. By comparing their current attitudes and behaviors to those expressed in a survey conducted in 2018, the study aims to provide insights into potential changes resulting from the crises. Using a mixed-method approach that combines qualitative and quantitative research, the study explores the attitudinal and behavioral shifts observed among homeowners in response to the crises. The findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis have had a significant impact on homeowners' decisions to undertake energy renovations. These crises have prompted noticeable changes in their attitudes and behaviors, leading to increased interest in planning renovation projects and investing in energy efficiency measures. While the current regulatory landscape in Sweden is deemed adequate to address homeowners' needs, the study suggests that minor complementary interventions are necessary to further stimulate interest in energy renovations. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the factors influencing homeowners' attitudes and behaviors in relation to energy renovations and provide insights for potential interventions to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2023. , p. 70
Keywords [en]
energy renovations, attitudes, energy efficiency, behavioral changes, renovation measures, energy crisis
National Category
Other Environmental Engineering
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-42627OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hig-42627DiVA, id: diva2:1777941
Subject / course
Sustainability science
Educational program
Master in Sustainability Science – Environment and Decision Making
Presentation
2023-06-01, Online, 11:42 (English)
Supervisors
Examiners
2023-06-302023-06-302023-06-30Bibliographically approved