BUILDERS AS CONSUMERS: THEIR ROLE IN RESIDENTIAL SECTOR ENERGY CONSERVATION.

This paper reports the results of a survey of builders designed to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors relating to energy conservation. In addition, the decision-making processes used by builders when purchasing energy-using equipment for installation in new housing are analyzed. Discussions of energy conservation in the residential sector have focused primarily on the role of consumers. The role of builders has not received similar attention. Yet, in in the design and construction of new housing, and in their specifications of equipment for preinstallation, builders and other professions greatly influence residential sector energy consumption. The consumer may add insulation or regularly service his furnace, but the necessity for such conservation oriented actions is largely a function of decisions made by the builder at the time of construction.

Duke Scholars

Author John Quelch DKU Faculty