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Household Energy and Water Practices Change Post-Occupancy in an Australian Low-Carbon Development

Author

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  • Jessica K. Breadsell

    (Sustainability Policy Institute, School of Design and the Built Environment, Curtin University, Perth 6102, Australia)

  • Joshua J. Byrne

    (Sustainability Policy Institute, School of Design and the Built Environment, Curtin University, Perth 6102, Australia)

  • Gregory M. Morrison

    (Sustainability Policy Institute, School of Design and the Built Environment, Curtin University, Perth 6102, Australia)

Abstract

This research comprises a longitudinal study of a cohort of residents moving into a low-carbon development and their pre- and post-occupancy household practices that consume energy and water. They are the early adopters of living in low-carbon households and provide valuable insight into the influence of design and technology on household practices. Household energy and water consumption levels are measured and normalised to the metropolitan average to discuss the influence of design and technology on use. Heating, cooling and showering practices consume the largest proportion of household energy and water use and so the changes to thermal comfort and personal hygiene practices are examined along with a consideration of the influence of lifestyle and family composition on cooling practices. Household water and energy use decreases due to technology and design influences post-occupancy. However, the personal practice history of residents influences water and energy consumption. Changes to the meaning element of personal hygiene practices show how these are interlocked and unlikely to change in their duration when there are other demanding practices to be undertaken.

Suggested Citation

  • Jessica K. Breadsell & Joshua J. Byrne & Gregory M. Morrison, 2019. "Household Energy and Water Practices Change Post-Occupancy in an Australian Low-Carbon Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(20), pages 1-20, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:20:p:5559-:d:274563
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Troy Malatesta & Gregory M. Morrison & Jessica K. Breadsell & Christine Eon, 2023. "A Systematic Literature Review of the Interplay between Renewable Energy Systems and Occupant Practices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-27, June.
    2. Jessica K. Breadsell & Christine Eon & Gregory M. Morrison, 2019. "Understanding Resource Consumption in the Home, Community and Society through Behaviour and Social Practice Theories," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(22), pages 1-18, November.
    3. Malek Al-Chalabi & David Banister, 2022. "The Missing Link? Insights from an Innovative Feedback Exercise for Household Electricity and Travel Behaviour," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-17, July.
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    5. Fulvio Biddau & Sonia Brondi & Paolo Francesco Cottone, 2022. "Unpacking the Psychosocial Dimension of Decarbonization between Change and Stability: A Systematic Review in the Social Science Literature," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-28, April.
    6. Troy Malatesta & Jessica K. Breadsell, 2022. "Identifying Home System of Practices for Energy Use with K-Means Clustering Techniques," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-21, July.
    7. Joshua Byrne & Mark Taylor & Tom Wheeler & Jessica K. Breadsell, 2020. "WGV: Quantifying Mains Water Savings in a Medium Density Infill Residential Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(16), pages 1-19, August.
    8. Joshua Byrne & Mike Mouritz & Mark Taylor & Jessica K. Breadsell, 2020. "East Village at Knutsford: A Case Study in Sustainable Urbanism," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(16), pages 1-17, August.
    9. Moiz Masood Syed & Gregory M. Morrison & James Darbyshire, 2020. "Shared Solar and Battery Storage Configuration Effectiveness for Reducing the Grid Reliance of Apartment Complexes," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-23, September.

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