INFLUENCE OF GREEN INITIATIVES ON DOMESTIC ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN ENERGY SAVE PRECINCTS

Abstract

Domestic energy consumption behavior has been extensively studied in international context. In the literature, potential factors are proposed to model households’ energy consumption behaviors. However, in Singapore, such efforts are relatively limited. It is only until the recent decade that the Singapore government began to place more attention on environmental sustainability and consumption. Various measures are implemented by agencies to create greater awareness on sustainable living and to promote sustainable consumption of energy. This paper examines the influence of government green initiatives targeting at households within the Energy SAVE precincts and their influence on domestic energy consumption. This research is conducted on households living in Ang Mo Kio-Yio Chu Kang and Sembawang GRCs where the two Energy SAVE precincts are located. Survey questionnaires are distributed to the residents to find out their energy consumption behaviours and attitudes towards energy efficiency. A linear regression model is also adopted to model energy consumption behaviors of residents; thereby identifying the potential factors that may influence domestic energy consumption. It is found that residents living in Energy SAVE precincts consume less energy as compared to those living in non Energy SAVE precincts. At the same time, awareness of government green initiatives is also higher amongst residents living the in Energy SAVE precincts. Lastly, it is also found that domestic energy consumption increases with increase in floor area, high storey and household size.