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Exploring the Perspectives of Householders on Energy in the Home

This report provides an overview of the perspectves of a small number of households on the use of energy in the home and the energy transiton more widely. Based on a series of interviews conducted in September and October 2024, it includes a description of the household context and energy issues of eleven householders around Ireland, along with a narratve overview of their responses to different areas of inquiry around energy, climate, the energy transiton and perceived opportunites and barriers arising from that transition.

Authors

Jeanne Spillane

Year
2025
Publication Name
NESC
Category
Report
Keywords
Energy Justice, Energy Transition, Ireland
Link to Publication
/en/media/research/energypolicyandmodellinggroup/ExploringthePerspectivesofHouseholdersonEnergyintheHome.pdf

Abstract

It begins with some background context to the work. There follows an 
exploration of householders’ understanding of energy efficiency, their experience of energy use in the home and an overview of work they have had done to make their home more energy efficient. Interestingly, only one of those who has had work done felt that work had been disruptive – replacing plumbing under the floors – while everyone else found their experience relatively positive. Yet all those who have had work done referenced disruption as a reason for not geƫng more done. Many people 
seemed put off by a lack of trusted information. In exploring their awareness of the energy transition and the climate impact of fossil fuels, awareness levels were high, but several people referenced a sense of helplessness or futility in terms of actions they could take. 

Energy Policy and Modelling Group

Environmental Research Institute, Ellen Hutchins Building, University College Cork, Lee Road, Cork, Ireland T23 XE10 ,

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