EFFECTS OF SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AND CONSIDERATION OF FUTURE CONSEQUENCES ON ENERGY CONSERVATION BEHAVIOURS

Abstract

Energy consumption has been rising globally, with increased usage from all sectors including domestic consumption and multiple researches has been conducted since the 1970s to understand the factors contributing to domestic energy consumption. While energy consumption behaviour has been a popular topic for research, limited study has been done on the study the correlation of energy consumption behaviour in Singapore. Historical data has shown that domestic energy consumption in Singapore has been rising although Singapore has targets to reduce the consumption by 2030. Therefore, the scope of the research will be limited to Singapore, with focus on the household energy consumption of residents residing in HDB flats and condominiums of 3 rooms and above. The data size of 397 includes responses from online surveys and door-to-door recruitment in six estates around Singapore. Through the SPSS software, these collected data were tested for their normality using visual and statistical method, followed by a non-parametric test for correlation. Since an individual’s consideration for future consequences implicates current behaviour, a correlation to the energy consumption and savings behaviour should be present. Hence, apart from socio-demographics variables, this study sets out to determine the correlation of extent of consideration of future consequences to household electricity conservation behaviour. The main objectives of this paper was to identify demographic variables that affects energy consumption behaviour and understand the correlation between household energy conservation behaviour and demographics and consideration of future consequences. Through literature reviews, five demographics variables and energy conservation behaviours were identified for the analysis. It was found that a correlation exist between household monthly income, education level and consideration of future consequences to different behaviours. This study would provide an in-depth understanding on various factors that affect household energy consumption in behaviour. However, limitations due to data collection and variables studied are present, and could the research could be further expanded in future studies.