Where I live is what I do – The potential of residential choices to determine energy use and travel behaviour of Norwegian movers

Travel behaviour and energy use are strongly linked to the residence and thus to residential choice. However, in residential choice research, there is still limited evidence on how housing and location choice impact both mobility needs and energy decisions over a long time.

We surveyed Norwegian homebuyers to analyse the extent to which their residential preferences and former home influence the choice of future residence characteristics related to energy and travel demand. These characteristics include dwelling type and size, energy standard, access to parking and public transport as well as proximity to the city centre.

Our findings indicate that movers select residences that match their preferences for energy- and travel-related attributes. However, the characteristics of the former home also explain the newly chosen characteristics, suggesting loss aversion or a bias of preferences towards the previously experienced. Additionally, the choice of dwelling type constrains subsequent choice options, particularly regarding floor area and centre proximity. Furthermore, high income is associated with less sustainable choices regarding dwelling size and parking access. Generally, characteristics offer co-benefits for reduced energy and travel demand in proximity to the city centre. Smaller dwellings, fewer detached houses and more public transport stops are expected to lead to lower travel demand and energy use. However, these benefits come with trade-offs in energy standard, which tends to be better outside the city centre.