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Adjustable Green Defaults Can Help Make Smart Homes More Sustainable

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  • Nicole D. Sintov

    (School of Environment and Natural Resources, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA)

  • P. Wesley Schultz

    (Department of Psychology, California State University San Marcos, San Marcos, CA 94132, USA)

Abstract

Smart home technologies offer exciting opportunities to promote more efficient uses of energy. For instance, programmable thermostats, centralized lighting controls, and rooftop solar panels all have potential for energy conservation and efficiency. However, these technologies alone will not guarantee energy savings. Whereas previous research on smart homes has focused on the technologies themselves, relatively little work has addressed the factors that shape the human-technology interface. In this review paper, we argue that in order to ensure any savings, smart home technologies must first be adopted by end-users, and once adopted, they must be used in ways that promote energy efficiency. We focus on three areas of behavioral research with implications for smart home technologies: (1) defaults; (2) perceived adjustability or control; and (3) trust in automation. Linking these areas, we propose a new concept for improving the efficiency gains of smart homes. First, although smart device controls can help save energy, considerably larger energy efficiency gains can be realized through smart automation. But importantly, the default settings of systems should be “green”, to maximize energy savings. Second, many people have concerns around relinquishing decision-making to technologies, which can reduce the likelihood of adoption. People want to be, or at least to feel, in control of their homes, even if they do not adjust settings post-installation. Further, consumer trust in technologies encourages adoption in the first place; trust also impacts consumer interactions with installed devices and can impact default acceptance. Combining these concepts, we recommend that smart home technologies build consumer trust and come pre-programmed with adjustable green defaults , which permit consumers to change initial green settings.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicole D. Sintov & P. Wesley Schultz, 2017. "Adjustable Green Defaults Can Help Make Smart Homes More Sustainable," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-12, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:9:y:2017:i:4:p:622-:d:96017
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Nadezhda Dimova, 2021. "Opportunities for sustainability in online stores," Economic Thought journal, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences - Economic Research Institute, issue 3, pages 66-76.
    3. Borragán, G. & Ortiz, M. & Böning, J. & Fowler, B. & Dominguez, F. & Valkering, P. & Gerard, H., 2024. "Consumers’ adoption characteristics of distributed energy resources and flexible loads behind the meter," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 203(C).
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    6. Xiaoyue Zhu & Bo Gao & Xudong Yang & Yanping Yuan & Ji Ni, 2021. "Interactions between the Built Environment and the Energy-Related Behaviors of Occupants in Government Office Buildings," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-21, September.
    7. Muhammad Abbas Khan & Ijaz Ahmad & Anis Nurashikin Nordin & A. El-Sayed Ahmed & Hiren Mewada & Yousef Ibrahim Daradkeh & Saim Rasheed & Elsayed Tag Eldin & Muhammad Shafiq, 2022. "Smart Android Based Home Automation System Using Internet of Things (IoT)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-17, August.
    8. Christine Milchram & Geerten Van de Kaa & Neelke Doorn & Rolf Künneke, 2018. "Moral Values as Factors for Social Acceptance of Smart Grid Technologies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-23, August.
    9. Paulína Šujanová & Monika Rychtáriková & Tiago Sotto Mayor & Affan Hyder, 2019. "A Healthy, Energy-Efficient and Comfortable Indoor Environment, a Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-37, April.
    10. Große-Kreul, Felix, 2022. "What will drive household adoption of smart energy? Insights from a consumer acceptance study in Germany," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
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