End-user engagement: The missing link of sustainability transition for Australian residential buildings. (1st July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martek, Igor; Hosseini, M. Reza; Shrestha, Asheem; Edwards, David J.; Seaton, Stewart; Costin, Glenn
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 224(2019)
• Page Start: 697
• Page End: 708
• Publication Date: 2019-07-01
• Subjects: Sustainable buildings -- Occupants -- Green transition -- Low carbon living -- Livable cities -- Sustainable cities; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.03.277
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: This paper argues that attempts to transform Australia's urban environment into a sufficiently sustainable one has been misdirected. The 'green rating tool, ' industry's adherence to relevant standards and governmental policies represent the primary means of effecting the sustainability transition. However, only high-profile commercial building owners seem interested in being green-rated; the actual end-users of buildings are far less committed (e.g. employees ensconced in commercial buildings and residential home occupiers). Through a systematic review of 103 journal articles published on the topic of end-users and sustainability transition, original findings are presented. The findings reveal that most residential end-users do not purchase green homes and without their 'buy-in, ' sustainability transition across Australia will continue to fail. This paper offers a critical analysis of the status-quo, identifying where the effort to generate a sustainable urban environment has been misdirected, what challenges prevail, and why residential end-users have been overlooked. In looking for a way forward that engages end-users, the paper proposes that financial incentives for the purchase of low-carbon buildings must be introduced into the residential real-estate market. And the modeling for this rebate is discussed in terms of emissions trading schemes or carbon tax. Highlights: Attempts to transform Australia's urban environment into a sufficiently sustainable one have not generated desirable outcomes. A systematic review of 103 journal articles is conducted on the topic of end-users and sustainability transition. Residential end-users do not purchase green homes and without their 'buy[HYPHEN]in, ' sustainability transition will fail. Financial incentives for the purchase of low-carbon buildings must be introduced into the residential real-estate market. The modeling for the rebate is discussed in terms of emissions trading schemes or carbon tax.