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Residential energy conservation: the effects of education and perceived behavioral control

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  • Heili Pals
  • Lindsey Singer

Abstract

This study examines the effects of values, norms, perceived behavioral control, and education on intentions to save energy and actual energy-saving behaviors among residential energy customers (N = 329). A linear regression with ordinary least squares (OLS) estimates showed that environmental values, energy-saving norms, and perceived behavioral control did not have uniform effects on energy behaviors and the intention to conserve was not significantly correlated with energy-using behaviors. However, there is a link between perceived behavioral control and energy-saving behaviors. Respondents with higher educational attainment had greater intentions to conserve energy and an increased likelihood of engaging in energy-conscious behavior like turning off the television more frequently. Further exploration revealed that a considerable portion of the effect of education was due to the mediating effect of perceived behavioral control and not due to increased pro-environmental values or norms. Copyright AESS 2015

Suggested Citation

  • Heili Pals & Lindsey Singer, 2015. "Residential energy conservation: the effects of education and perceived behavioral control," Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Springer;Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, vol. 5(1), pages 29-41, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jenvss:v:5:y:2015:i:1:p:29-41
    DOI: 10.1007/s13412-014-0196-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Lori M. Hunter & Alison Hatch & Aaron Johnson, 2004. "Cross‐National Gender Variation in Environmental Behaviors," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 85(3), pages 677-694, September.
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