Khafiso, T; Adekunle, S A and Clinton, C (2025) Drivers to the adoption of energy management systems in residential buildings. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 43(8), pp. 89-107. ISSN 2398-4708
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the variables that impact the adoption of energy management systems in residential buildings, focusing on the main motivations behind their acceptance. Design/methodology/approach – The study used the Delphi technique and analyzed the data quantitatively. Quantitative data was collected by administering a well-structured research questionnaire to 20 Delphi experts knowledgeable in energy usage, energy management and energy efficiency. The obtained data was analyzed using descriptive analysis. Findings – The study highlights that the most significant drivers for adopting energy management systems (EMS) in residential buildings are predominantly economic and operational factors. Reduction of energy costs and the ability to track energy consumption from sensors, which promotes energy-saving behavior, were strongly agreed upon by respondents, reflecting their importance in influencing adoption decisions. Energy consumption reduction also emerged as a key driver, emphasizing the critical role of reducing operational expenses. Other drivers, such as economic factors like rising energy prices and the reduction of energy demand, underscore the economic pressures encouraging EMS adoption. Environmental considerations, such as reducing environmental degradation and improving environmental conditions, were ranked lower, showing a lesser but still meaningful emphasis on sustainability. Factors like enhanced energy security, reduction of global warming and commitment from top management were among the least prioritized, reflecting potential challenges in awareness, investment or policy support. Practical implications – The study offers policymakers and industry stakeholders useful data for developing targeted strategies and incentives to encourage homes to use energy-efficient devices. It also provides useful direction for residential developers and utility providers in designing and promoting energy management systems that are consistent with customer preferences and habits, resulting in more sustainable living environments. Originality/value – The study provides a comprehensive look at the key factors driving the adoption of energy-saving technologies in homes, giving new insights into consumer behavior and industry trends. The value of it is highlighted by giving empirically supported advice to policymakers and industry leaders on how to promote more effective and broad adoption of sustainable energy practices in the residential sector.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | energy efficiency; SDG 11; SDG 12; SDG 13; SDG 7 |
| Index terms: | energy demand, energy efficiency, residential building, environmental degradation, energy management, sustainable energy, customer preference, economic factor, energy-saving, consumer behaviour, energy consumption, motivation, global warming, strategy, commitment, energy cost, habit, environmental conditions, energy management system, questionnaire, Delphi technique, methodology, top management |
| Subjects: | management, cost management, data collection methods, sustainability and energy, energy systems, research methods, economic concepts, construction type, strategic management, consumer economics, environmental impact, health behaviours and lifestyles, climate science, psychology, environmental science, renewable energy |
| Topics: | Stakeholder Management, Construction Technology, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Organizational Design, Human Resources, Sustainability |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here