Regreen your private space: Understanding homeowners’ soil de-sealing intention through structural equation modelling, using theory of planned behaviour

Abstract

Soil de-sealing and regreening are key actions for climate change adaptation/mitigation in an urban context, leading to reduced flood risks and heat island effects, as well as positively impacting biodiversity , life quality and wellbeing. While prior research identified drivers and barriers of traditional and sustainable gardening practices, there is no research on soil de-sealing in a private context using a behaviour framework. Therefore, this study aims to better understand the factors influencing homeowners’ intention to soil de-seal their private outdoor space, using an extended theory of planned behaviour. We conducted a quantitative survey with Flemish homeowners (n = 420, Mage = 50.55, SDage = 14.46, male/female = 191/229) and applied structural equation modelling for the analysis. The results show that attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and facilitating conditions are positively associated with intention to soil de-seal. Additionally, moral obligation is positively associated with attitude, and subjective knowledge is negatively associated with perceived behavioural control. Our findings indicate that policy makers should focus on fostering subjective norms, letting people experience soil de-sealing and inspiring sustainable behaviour imitation. Moreover, they should convince people of the feasibility of soil de-sealing, through financial and practical support and offering step-by-step guidance. Lastly, activating people’s personal moral norms by highlighting the impact of small actions on the larger ecosystem may further encourage citizens to take action.