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Lessons for integrated household energy conservation policy from Singapore’s southwest Eco-living Program

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  • He, H.Z.
  • Kua, H.W.

Abstract

This study describes a district-level energy intervention and conservation program designed and implemented with the help of community stakeholders, which include students and staff of an educational institution, the National University of Singapore, a local non-governmental environmental group in Singapore and the district government. The program – known formally as the Eco-living Program – was funded by the district government and implemented in the Hong Kah North Residential Council in the south western part of Singapore. The research objectives are three-fold: (1) compare the effectiveness of different intervention methods, based on self-reported behavior scores and actual electricity reduction; (2) investigate how behavior and electricity consumption are influenced by values, situational and psychological factors; (3) assess the effectiveness of different methods of intervention and provide recommendations for improvement. It was found that a combined use of leaflets and stickers resulted in highest (that is, 15.8%) reduction in average consumption. Ease of practicing the recommended energy conservation actions is a strong motivators to change energy consumption behavior. This program exemplifies the important role that community-initiated bottom-up programs can play in promoting sustainable consumption with the financial support from the local (district) government.

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  • He, H.Z. & Kua, H.W., 2013. "Lessons for integrated household energy conservation policy from Singapore’s southwest Eco-living Program," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 105-116.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:55:y:2013:i:c:p:105-116
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2012.10.067
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