Furszyfer-et-al-ECC-Smart-Homes-07042021-BKS-SG.pdf (845.7 kB)
Culture, energy and climate sustainability, and smart home technologies: a mixed methods comparison of four countries
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 23:38 authored by Dylan Furszyfer Del RioDylan Furszyfer Del Rio, Benjamin SovacoolBenjamin Sovacool, Steve GriffithsSmart home technologies (SHT) refer to devices that provide some degree of digitally connected, automated, or enhanced services to household occupants. Smart homes have become prominent in recent technology and policy discussions about energy efficiency, climate change, and the sustainability of buildings. Nevertheless, how might culture shape the diffusion and use of the technologies used in smart homes? What cultural barriers may impede their adoption, or embed more carbon-intensive lifestyles? Lastly, do smart home technologies truly promote sustainability goals? Based on an extensive original dataset involving expert interviews in four countries—Japan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States—and original media content analysis, this study explores the cultural aspects of smart home technology adoption as well as the consequent impacts on sustainability. In doing so, the study elaborates on an array of social, technical, political, economic and environmental dimensions of smart home technology diffusion, with clear implications for research, policy, and technology development. In this sense, we call for more comprehensive, progressive, innovative and sensitive technology design so as to advance SHT adoption and fulfill some of the sustainability and climate objectives their advocates continually promise.
Funding
UK Centre for Research on Energy Demand; G2424; EPSRC-ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Energy and Climate ChangeISSN
2666-2787Publisher
ElsevierExternal DOI
Volume
2Page range
1-19Article number
a100035Department affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2021-04-16First Open Access (FOA) Date
2021-04-27First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2021-04-16Usage metrics
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