Energy reduction through a deeper understanding of household consumption

Article Article scientifique Article Energy reduction through a deeper understanding of household consumption eng 2011 author Sahakian Marlyne 0000-0003-0196-7865 637082 author Steinberger Julia Karen 637050 31-48 10.1111/j.1530-9290.2010.00305.x 1530-9290 This ar ticle proposes a multidisciplinar y and systemic approach to sustainable consumption that combines environmental con- siderations of energy usage from a life cycle perspective with a social understanding of consumption grounded in economic anthropology. The goal is to understand both consumption patterns and drivers, with a focus on household energy used for cooling in the metropolitan region of Manila in the Philip- pines. For different socioeconomic groups, cooling devices also deliver social and cultural services, such as socializing or ad- hering to Western fashion trends. This article argues for the need to address these aspects if reductions in household en- ergy usage are to become possible. The limits of individual- choice theories are rendered apparent, with examples of how institutional and structural conditions lock in consumption pat- terns and restrict household choices. The notion that emerging economies might be able to “leapfrog” over the environmen- tal errors of more industrialized countries is also raised and critiqued. Emerging economy Energy conservation Household electricity Industrial ecology The Philippines Sustainable consumption Dewey 301 Dewey 354.3 122 Département de sociologie T4 199 Institut de la gouvernance de l'environnement et du développement territorial TF 197 Institut de recherches sociologiques TG false 939 Pôle/Institut Gouvernance de l'environnement et développement territorial (PI-GEDT) Journal of Industrial Ecology 15 1 69c8859e-0969-428f-8d77-cae33a58beb9 Article (Published version) Public SahakianSteinberger_2011_JournalofIndustrialEcology.pdf 711971 application/pdf openAccess Faculté des sciences de la société / Département de sociologie Faculté des sciences de la société / Institut de la gouvernance de l'environnement et du développement territorial Faculté des sciences de la société / Institut de recherches sociologiques

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Energy reduction through a deeper understanding of household consumption	Journal of Industrial Ecology			2011	502	389

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Steinberger, Julia Karen