A Cross-A cross-cultural analysis of household energy-use behavior in Japan and Norway

Panel: Panel 4: Human Dimensions

Authors:
Harold Wilhite, Ressurskonsult, Oslo and Jyukankyo Research Institute, Tokyo
Hidetoshi Nakagami, Takashi Masuda and Yukiko Yamaga and Jyukankyo Research Institute, Tokyo
Hiroshi Hanada, Kyushu Electric Power Co. Inc.

Abstract

A cross-cultural comparison can help to sort out why families choose to use energy the way they do. In this paper we compare and contrast the results of ethnographic investigations of energy-use behavior in Fukuoka (Kyushu), Japan, and Oslo, Norway. These studies show significant differences in end-use patterns for space heating, lighting and hot water use. We discuss how these patterns are related to cultural and economic factors. We introduce the concept of a ?cultural energy service,? a home energy use pattern with deep cultural roots. Our findings show that while energy-intensive space-heat and lighting habits have become an integral part of the presentation of the Norwegian home, Japanese space heat and light habits are more disciplined and less culturally significant. In Japan, the bathing routine is extremely important to the Japanese lifestyle and at the same time very energy intensive. These cultural ?energy services? of Norwegian space heat/light and the Japanese bath will be resistant to conservation incentives. Demand-side management (DSM) programs targeted at these practices should concentrate on the technology input to these services, such as compact fluorescent bulbs (CFBs) and energy efficient shower heads. Other wasteful patterns are identified which do not have the same cultural significance, such as lax temperature setback in Norway and dish washing practices in Japan. DSM programs targeted at these behaviors should focus more on information-based programs than on technology. We find that environmental attitudes and knowtedge levels about energy-use in the home are similar in the two samples, in spite of the big differences in culture and energy prices. People are concerned about the environment, but poorly informed about the nature of the problems and how they are related to energy use in the home. Information is needed in both Kyushu and Oslo which disaggregates the dwelling?s consumption and costs by end-use.