Explaining energy efficiency behaviours among Argentinean citizens through the VBN model / Explicación de los comportamientos de eficiencia energética entre ciudadanos argentinos a través del modelo VCN

Abstract

Abstract In Argentina, energy consumption is characterized by a high dependence on fossil fuels and a low cost for final consumers. Therefore, to encourage energy efficiency it is important to know which non-financial factors influence energy use. Numerous evidences suggest that the Value-Belief-Norm model (VBN) is an adequate framework to understand this behaviour. However, few studies tested VBN to predict energy efficiency behaviour and even fewer did so in Latin America. Our aim was to test whether a VBN model was successful for predicting household energy efficiency behaviours among Argentinian citizens (n = 275). Results showed that the VBN model indeed explained self-reported energy efficiency. Importantly, a VBN model version assessed by means of a path analysis showed a good fit to the data. Biospheric values and personal norms were particularly strong predictors of household energy efficiency. These results indicate that personal norms, activated by values, are able to predict energy efficiency actions in an Argentinean sample. These evidences suggest that moral considerations should be promoted in order to increase energy efficiency actions in Argentina.