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The Role of Consumers in the Transition toward Low-Carbon Living

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  • Anna Claudelin

    (School of Energy Systems, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Saimaankatu 11, 15140 Lahti, Finland)

  • Ville Uusitalo

    (School of Energy Systems, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Saimaankatu 11, 15140 Lahti, Finland)

  • Sanna Pekkola

    (School of Business and Management, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Saimaankatu 11, 15140 Lahti, Finland)

  • Maija Leino

    (School of Energy Systems, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Saimaankatu 11, 15140 Lahti, Finland)

  • Suvi Konsti-Laakso

    (School of Business and Management, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Saimaankatu 11, 15140 Lahti, Finland)

Abstract

Improvements in energy efficiency and production of renewable energy hold significant potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions of housing, which accounts for 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In our research, we focused on the willingness of owners of detached houses to adopt renewable energy production systems of their own, and we examined perceived barriers to adopting these systems. The research was conducted using a survey and a life cycle assessment model. The survey covered three residential areas in Lahti, Finland, and the potential reductions in greenhouse gas emissions were estimated using a life cycle assessment model based on the survey results. The barriers to transformation were identified as a lack of knowledge in the following three areas: (1) the possible annual savings attained; (2) the costs of implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy production solutions; and (3) the technologies used in renewable energy production. The greenhouse gas emission reductions in the residential areas surveyed would amount to approximately 15% if the consumers implemented the solutions they considered.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Claudelin & Ville Uusitalo & Sanna Pekkola & Maija Leino & Suvi Konsti-Laakso, 2017. "The Role of Consumers in the Transition toward Low-Carbon Living," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(6), pages 1-15, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:9:y:2017:i:6:p:958-:d:100530
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Anna Claudelin & Sini Järvelä & Ville Uusitalo & Maija Leino & Lassi Linnanen, 2018. "The Economic Potential to Support Sustainability through Household Consumption Choices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-13, October.
    2. Anna Claudelin & Ville Uusitalo & Ilona Hintukainen & Anna Kuokkanen & Paavo Tertsunen & Maija Leino & Lassi Linnanen, 2020. "Increasing positive climate impact by combining anti‐consumption and consumption changes with impact investing," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 28(6), pages 1689-1701, November.

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