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The Hassle Factor as a Psychological Barrier to a Green Home

Author

Listed:
  • G. Vries

    (Delft University of Technology)

  • M. Rietkerk

    (Milieu Centraal)

  • R. Kooger

    (ECN part of TNO)

Abstract

In order to reach climate goals, policymakers stimulate homeowners to invest in sustainable measures in and around their house. Unfortunately, however, the number of green home measures lacks behind. This article introduces perceived hassle as an important reason for this shortfall. It is claimed that homeowners perceive hassle during different stages of their (customer) journey towards a green home; the awareness stage, the consideration stage, and the decision stage. It is further theorized that people delay taking green home measures in order to avoid the anticipated stress caused by the accumulation of these hassles. Exploring the hassle factor as a psychological barrier to a green home can advance the successful implementation of policies that stimulate sustainable housing. On the one hand, our insights can help homeowners to overcome their obstacles to invest in green measures. On the other hand, they can help policymakers to improve their policies. It suggests de-hassling policy interventions and discusses their effectiveness.

Suggested Citation

  • G. Vries & M. Rietkerk & R. Kooger, 2020. "The Hassle Factor as a Psychological Barrier to a Green Home," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 43(2), pages 345-352, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jcopol:v:43:y:2020:i:2:d:10.1007_s10603-019-09410-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10603-019-09410-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Jiefang Ma & Queena Kun Qian & Henk Visscher & Kun Song, 2022. "Barriers for Homeowners in Decisions to Undertake Government-Led Energy Efficiency Renovation Projects in Northern China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-19, June.
    2. Peñasco, Cristina & Anadón, Laura Díaz, 2023. "Assessing the effectiveness of energy efficiency measures in the residential sector gas consumption through dynamic treatment effects: Evidence from England and Wales," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 117(C).
    3. Bhavya Rathna Kota & Luciana Debs & Taylor Davis, 2022. "Exploring Generation Z’s Perceptions of Green Homes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-15, August.
    4. Benedikt Maciosek & Mehdi Farsi & Sylvain Weber & Martin Jakob, 2022. "Impact of complexity and experience on energy investment decisions for residential buildings," IRENE Working Papers 22-07, IRENE Institute of Economic Research.

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