Abstract
Energy-efficient technologies provide the means for improving energy performance and reducing the operating costs of buildings. In this study, energy-efficient technologies include smart thermostats, LED lighting, weatherization, and EnergyStar-rated appliances. While there is significant evidence regarding the benefits of energy-efficient technologies, not all homeowners decide to invest in such technologies. Motivations behind the adoption of energy-efficient technologies have been widely studied among homeowners, but previous research has primarily focused on urban and suburban areas. Limited literature exists on homeowners' motivations to invest in energy-efficient technologies in rural areas of the US. Rural housing is generally older and less energy-efficient. Generally, households have a lower average income. This suggests that while housing may be in greater need of efficiency upgrades, financing such upgrades may be less attainable for some households. This study adopted a qualitative approach in six rural communities in Iowa (Boone, Nevada, Pella, Solon, Swisher, and Williamsburg), focusing on owner-occupied homes, hereafter referred to as homeowners. The interviews included twenty-five (N = 25) small-town rural homeowners. Through narrative analysis, results show that the motivation to invest in energy-efficient technologies was primarily related to renovation factors, financial factors, and behavioral factors. The qualitative data obtained from the interviews provide a more detailed description of rural homeowners' motivation to invest in energy-efficient technologies, which can guide policymakers and designers in providing more accurate programs that consider rural homeowners' motivations.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Construction Research Congress 2022 |
Subtitle of host publication | Infrastructure Sustainability and Resilience - Selected Papers from Construction Research Congress 2022 |
Editors | Farrokh Jazizadeh, Tripp Shealy, Michael J. Garvin |
Publisher | American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) |
Pages | 618-626 |
Number of pages | 9 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780784483954 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2022 |
Externally published | Yes |
Event | Construction Research Congress 2022: Infrastructure Sustainability and Resilience, CRC 2022 - Arlington, United States Duration: Mar 9 2022 → Mar 12 2022 |
Publication series
Name | Construction Research Congress 2022: Infrastructure Sustainability and Resilience - Selected Papers from Construction Research Congress 2022 |
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Volume | 1-A |
Conference
Conference | Construction Research Congress 2022: Infrastructure Sustainability and Resilience, CRC 2022 |
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Country/Territory | United States |
City | Arlington |
Period | 3/9/22 → 3/12/22 |
Bibliographical note
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