Schneider Electric, a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has revealed that nearly 9 out of 10 (88%) Australian consumers in the global study believe climate change will lead to rising energy bills and individuals should play a larger role on climate change. These findings are slightly ahead of global respondents at 86%.
Key findings from Australian consumers include:
- 7 out of 10 (71%) consumers consider reducing carbon footprints a personal priority.
- Nearly 6 out of 10 (58%) place importance on their homes becoming net zero, yet just a third (34%) actually believe this is likely to happen.
- Nearly 6 out of 10 (57%) believe it’s the responsibility of individuals to tackle climate change.
Adapting to and coping with climate change is an ongoing and ever-changing process. Changing our lifestyle attitudes and behaviors requires a growth mindset, while advanced technology also has a role to play in supporting pro-environmental behavior and promoting sustainable living.
“In line with earlier research, this study demonstrated that our mindset is a crucial barrier to change when it comes to reducing our carbon footprints at home. We have created psychological roadblocks that we use to deny responsibility to take action. These findings show that small changes in thinking can lead to big changes in sustainable behavior. When we adopt smart digital solutions that help us save energy and replace fossil fuels with smart, clean electricity, we are making a treasured contribution to our global fight for a healthier planet. With the help of smart digital solutions, I think we can do good for the environment without compromising on our comfort”, said Jaap Ham, Associate Professor in the Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences department at Eindhoven University of Technology, who is an expert in understanding technology and behavior change and a contributor to the Global Study of Schneider Electric.
Consumers are on the lookout for smart home devices to improve energy efficiency at home
The study also reveals that today’s consumers want to lead sustainable lifestyles, putting energy efficiency at home as their major priority.
- 41% of Australian respondents believe that smart home technology will help make their home more sustainable.
- Over half (55%) expect their new home or apartments to be equipped with smart home devices, a 13% uplift globally over previously conducted research.
- With individuals and families willing to spend, on average, AU$3,617 in the next 12 months on energy efficiency. Existing gadget owners who have likely already seen the benefits of smart tech and incorporated it into their lifestyles, are willing to spend at least twice the amount (£2,215 vs £915/ USD/ EUR).
- Smart energy monitors and smart thermostats are respectively rank 5 and rank 8 in the top- most purchased smart devices.
Coupled with the already rising costs of energy and living, and potential shortage of resources across Europe, managing energy consumption and costs are the fundamental drivers causing consumers to take actions and invest in smart sustainable solutions.
Schneider Electric leads with smart and sustainable home innovation
Answering the need for sustainable innovation to enable consumers in their quest to improve energy efficiency and sustainability in the home, Schneider Electric is stepping forward to help solve the energy challenges of today and tomorrow. By bringing innovative solutions and materials to reduce carbon footprint, by working with others and by fully capturing the power of its technologies and services, the company can help to make energy use at home smarter and efficient and reduce impact of homes on the planet.
YiFu Qi, Executive Vice-President of Global Home and Distribution at Schneider Electric, said: “Consumers in the current energy crisis need to feel they are in control over how energy is produced, stored and distributed in the home – in terms of sustainability and energy bills. The residential market is at a tipping point, and the good news is the technological solutions already exist, like our Wiser range, to help consumers lead more sustainable lifestyles and empower them to play a meaningful role in achieving our net zero goals. Our research shows there is a greater understanding amongst consumers about how they can improve their home energy management and that smart home technology can help them be more efficient. The next step is to implement this knowledge before it’s too late.”
For more information, please visit https://www.se.com/us/en/home/offers/connected-home/.