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A socio-technical approach to improving retail energy efficiency behaviours
Sian Christina1, Patrick Waterson2, Andrew Dainty3
1CICE, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK.
Applied Ergonomics
|September 28, 2014
Summary
This study examines energy efficiency in UK retail, finding that store-level goals, technology, and incentives are key to sustainable workplace behaviors. Implementing these insights can improve energy management and reduce carbon emissions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Organizational Behavior
- Systems Theory
Background:
- The UK retail sector is crucial for carbon reduction efforts.
- Understanding organizational integration of energy technologies is vital for sustainability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine environmental sustainability in retail from a systems perspective.
- To explore how energy-related technologies and strategies are incorporated into organizational life.
- To identify factors enabling/impeding behavioral energy efficiency in retail.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal case study of a leading UK retailer over two years.
- Qualitative data collection from 131 participants via phased interviews and focus groups.
- Application of an adapted socio-technical framework.
Main Results:
- Socio-technical and goal-setting factors significantly influence energy efficiency behaviors.
- Tensions exist in store-level perception of energy management goals.
- Technology, feedback, and incentives are crucial for driving energy efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Sustainable workplace behaviors require addressing goal conflicts and integrating energy management into job redesign.
- A practical operational intervention was developed to enhance energy efficiency.
- Insights provided on achieving and sustaining energy-efficient behaviors in retail environments.
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