Reducing energy demand in China and the United Kingdom: The importance of energy literacy. (1st January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cotton, D.R.E.; Zhai, J.; Miller, W.; Dalla Valle, L.; Winter, J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 278(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01-01
• Subjects: Energy literacy -- Higher education -- Knowledge -- Attitude -- Behaviour -- Policy; 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.2020.123876
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: As the impacts of climate change become increasingly visible across the globe, awareness of the need for cleaner energy and demand reduction is growing. Energy literacy offers a strong potential for explaining and predicting energy-related behaviours, yet research and policies focused on this topic remain limited. In this study, energy literacy was measured in a sample of 2806 university students in the United Kingdom and China, in addition to their wider environmental attitudes using the New Ecological Paradigm scale. Findings indicate that energy literacy was relatively high overall, but there were significant differences between the knowledge, attitudes and behavioural intentions of participants in the two countries. Whilst the UK respondents rated themselves significantly more highly on perceived knowledge of energy issues, Chinese respondents provided significantly more correct answers in a knowledge test. UK respondents demonstrated more positive attitudes towards energy conservation than those from China, and were more likely to report energy-saving behaviours. However, Chinese respondents exhibited higher levels of trust in government and businesses to take action on energy issues. This paper provides a novel insight into cultural differences which may be crucial to policy and practice, and evidences the potential benefits of utilising a combination of educational and structural change to support transition to a cleaner, low-energy society. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Significant differences in energy literacy arose in 1806 students in UK and China. Chinese respondents demonstrated more knowledge about energy than UK respondents. UK respondents demonstrated more positive attitudes and energy saving behaviours. Cultural context, including trust in government impacts on energy-saving behaviours. Combining educational and structural change will aid transition to a cleaner world.