Socio-technical dynamics of energy consumption in low-income housing in Amman, Jordan

This paper explores the key sociocultural and physical factors influencing energy consumption patterns in low-income housing in Amman, Jordan. A qualitative methodology was employed, consisting of semi-structured interviews and house tours conducted with 24 households in low-income public housing settings in Amman. The analysis used a dual qualitative approach, combining a codebook method with Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) to interpret the data. The findings reveal that energy consumption in low-income housing is shaped by a complex interplay of sociocultural practices and physical conditions. Comfort emerged as a dynamic, multidimensional concept influenced by sociocultural contexts. Central to this is the culturally and religiously rooted notion of ‘privacy’, which drives spatial modifications and daily practices, often raising energy demands. ‘Family dynamics and social relationships’ further impact energy consumption patterns. Additionally, ‘substandard building and urban design’ and the use of ‘low-quality building materials’ exacerbate energy inefficiencies, promoting more energy-intensive behaviours. Despite financial limitations, participants demonstrated a notable awareness of energy issues and implemented various adaptive strategies informed by cultural and religious teachings. However, existing studies on energy performance often rely heavily on technical data while overlooking such sociocultural factors, limiting their ability to inform design and policy strategies that effectively address energy consumption. This study bridges that gap by integrating sociocultural and physical dimensions, offering nuanced insights into residential energy use in culturally sensitive, resource-constrained contexts. The findings provide an evidence-based foundation for designing energy-efficient housing tailored to low-income communities in a culturally rich context and supporting policy efforts aligned with sustainable development goals.