Home comfort and “peak household” : implications for energy demand

Ellsworth-Krebs, Katherine and Reid, Louise and Hunter, Colin J. (2021) Home comfort and “peak household” : implications for energy demand. Housing, Theory and Society, 38 (1). pp. 1-20. ISSN 1403-6096

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Abstract

This paper draws on a study of Scottish householders living in “zero-carbon” homes. It explores how broader understandings of home comfort may explain changes that result in home life becoming increasingly energy demanding, despite householders’ intentions to save or decarbonize energy. The paper argues that domestic energy research must engage with the dreams, aspirations, and images of home that ultimately drive consumption and impact investment in housing and home energy improvements. This is done by examining the interrelationship between energy retrofitting and installing microgeneration technologies alongside discussing meanings of home comfort and visions of ideal homes with householders. The study argues that an important aspect of home improvements is due to accommodating the “needs” of the peak household. The paper concludes by discussing how a wider range of people and interventions could be pursued to reduce domestic energy demand such as promoting downsizing or working with home or lifestyle companies.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Housing, Theory and Society
Additional Information:
This research was funded by a PhD studentship at the University of St Andrews.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3300/3303
Subjects:
?? domestic energy researchhome improvementhome comfortprivacyretrofitrenovationdevelopmentsociology and political scienceurban studies ??
ID Code:
141109
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
10 Feb 2020 14:55
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
15 Jul 2024 20:22