Exploring the role of ICT on household behavioural energy efficiency to mitigate global warming. (April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bastida, Leire; Cohen, Jed J.; Kollmann, Andrea; Moya, Ana; Reichl, Johannes
• Is Part Of: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews. Volume 103(2019)
• Page Start: 455
• Page End: 462
• Publication Date: 2019-04
• Subjects: CO2e carbon dioxide equivalent -- CZ Czech Republic -- EC European Commission -- EU European Union -- EU-27 European Union with 27 member states (2007-2013) -- EU-28 European Union with 28 member states (2013-current) -- EUR Euros -- GHG greenhouse gas -- Gt Gigatonne (1 billion metric tonnes) -- GW gigawatt (109 watts) -- ICT information and communication technology -- IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change -- kWh kilowatt hour (103 watts over a 1-hour period) -- Mio. T million metric tonnes -- MWh megawatt hour (106 watts over a 1-hour period) -- SET Plan Strategic Energy Technology Plan -- TWh/a terawatt (1012 watt) hours per year -- UK United Kingdom -- U.S. United States of America; ICT -- Energy efficiency -- Demand response -- CO2 emissions -- Smart meters -- Electricity; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2019.01.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-0321

Abstract

Abstract: With the advent of ICT in the energy system, new possibilities to inform and influence residential electricity consumption become available. We explore the potential of ICT-based interventions in households to decrease electricity usage, improve energy efficiency and thus contribute to reducing GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions from this sector. Based on a literature review on the subject, we suggest that ICT can affect some of the main behaviour-influencing factors, and discuss the causal avenues by which these effects can take hold. Our review finds that ICT-based effects on consumer behaviour can reduce household final electricity consumption by 0–5%. These and other findings from the literature are used to define parameter values, which reflect the efficacy of ICT at changing household energy usage patterns, and ultimately decreasing GHG emissions from the electricity sector. A quantitative analysis of the potential for ICT to contribute to reaching the 1.5 °C target in the context of the European Union (EU) energy sector is performed. It is found that ICT-based interventions in household energy use could contribute between 0.23% and 3.3% of the EU CO2 e reduction target from the energy sector that would keep warming under 1.5 °C, corresponding to 4.5–64.7 mio. tCO2 e abated per year. Highlights: The ways that ICT can be used in the household electricity sector are summarized. Proven effects of ICT on household electricity use are compiled. Potential of ICT in electricity sector to reduce greenhouse gases is assessed.