Search eceee proceedings

Suspecting standby? Domestic levels and the potential for household-level reductions in the UK

Panel: Panel 4: Sustainable Energy Use in Buildings

Authors:
Julia Vowles, Environmental Change Institute
Brenda Boardman, Environmental Change Institute
Kevin Lane, Environmental Change Institute

Abstract

In situ measurements of electronic appliances in 32 households in the UK, coupled with a survey of appliance usage, provide evidence that standby consumption amounts to approximately 8% of total electricity consumption within the sample set. The subsequent adjustment of this data in line with national level energy consumption figures, indicates that this subsidiary, and often wasted, use of electricity may represent over 6% of total domestic sector consumption.

Discussions with householders, along with questionnaire responses received from a wider audience, reveal that, contrary to popular belief, there are strong indications that the level of standby consumption currently experienced within the UK is not the predominant result of a prevalent "standby culture of convenience". Rather, it is evident that a substantial proportion of householders are not aware of, and in fact opposed to, the levels of standby consumption within their home. Heightened awareness among householders is shown to provoke substantial behavioural-induced reductions in standby levels of up to 77% in individual cases, and 25% on average. However, the potential for further reductions is constrained by technological limitations, particularly the unavailability of power switches on appliances, and the need to retain programmed settings.

A dual approach to standby reduction is required: the expansion of current efforts to reduce standby demand levels of new appliances, together with the facilitation of awareness among individuals, in order to ensure that householders can support the market transformation process, and regulate domestic standby consumption from the "bottom up".

Paper

Download this paper as pdf: Paper