Modelling of underlying social psychological effects on occupant energy-related behaviours
Achini Shanika Weerasinghe, James Olabode Bamidele Rotimi, Eziaku Onyeizu Rasheed
Abstract
Occupant energy-related behaviour research practices based on objective factors may not provide helpful insights that can derive from social sciences perspectives. This study examined how motivation (i.e., attitudes, personal norms), opportunity (i.e., subjective norms, organisational support, behavioural interventions, accessibility to control), and ability (i.e., perceived behavioural control, perceived and actual knowledge) explain the occupant energy-related behaviours in offices. In-person and online questionnaires were distributed across the general population of office occupants in New Zealand, and 294 valid answers were achieved. The social psychological effects on the choices of occupant energy behaviours are evaluated using a partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) analysis. The results showed that improving energy-saving opportunities through subjective norms, organisational support, behavioural interventions, and accessibility to control increases the occupants' perceived behavioural control and perceived knowledge to perform occupant energy-related behaviours. These opportunities and ability drivers then improve the occupants' motivation, building a strong attitude and obligation to save energy in the office environment. Understanding these social psychological factors are essential, as they utilise the development of occupant energy-related behavioural tools and integrate them with building energy performance simulations. Furthermore, the study assists in designing buildings to suit occupants’ comfort preferences and actions.