Energy efficiency and behavioral patterns in Latvia

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness on different aspects that interconnect energy efficiency projects and human behavioral aspects. Perception of energy, as the physical phenomenon, inevitably should be taken into consideration within elaboration of governmental strategies and performing of energy efficiency projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative and qualitative data as well as legislation analysis were performed to link consumer behavioral and the duality of perception of energy aspects while performing insulation projects in Latvia. The results confirm prior findings that link together the energy consumption trends and consumer behavioral and rebound effects. The problems are stated clear: society in general is not ready to invest into energy efficiency maintenance, information on energy efficiency projects is weakly disseminated, and lack of proper information on positive aspects about energy saving projects has negative feedback on public opinion and sustainable education in the topic suffers in this case.

Findings

As the response for solving these issues recommendations are proposed new strategies should be elaborated to perform effective and innovative marketing for promoting positively oriented trends on energy saving issues and behavioral changes in society; and awareness on energy efficiency projects should be raised to show positive examples from successful ones for the good of sustainable education.

Originality/value

Such type of study about consumer behavior have not been performed in country that is on transition stage for developing the energy-efficient societal thinking.

Citation

Makijenko, J., Burlakovs, J., Brizga, J. and Klavins, M. (2016), "Energy efficiency and behavioral patterns in Latvia", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 27 No. 6, pp. 695-707. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-05-2015-0103