Research into Effects of Consumer Behavior on the Environmental Load: Focusing on the Analysis of Time Spent at Home

Abstract

Objective. The increasing amount of CO₂ emissions generated at homes is a major problem, with no easy solution. A variety of consumer behavior is closely linked to environmental issues, and addressing the ways in which consumers spend their time at home, because it may have possibilities to reduce CO₂ emissions. This report focuses on relations between actual time spent in various activities and energy consumption at home, based on investigations undertaken at Kyoritsu Women’s University in 2002 and 2007. This report also presents a proposal outlining the types of lifestyles that will help reduce greenhouse gases, using conversion to CO₂ emissions as a common evaluation scale.

Results and Discussion. Places where the students spent the most time at home were categorized into the following three areas: 1: bedroom, 2: living room and 3: both bedroom and living room relatively equally. The 2002 survey indicates that energy consumption per-person was highest in the bedroom and lowest in the living room. Factors behind these findings included the use of heaters, air-conditioning, electrical appliances and water-heating equipment, and how time is spent eating with family members. The CO₂ emissions of household utilities were the highest in electricity use, followed by gas and water. Combined family activities were suggested as a major factor when considering reductions in CO₂ emissions. The results of surveys assessing energy-saving practices suggested that households surveyed have no major differences among saving electricity, water, and gas. Conscious energy-saving measures aside, however, it was suggested that combined family activities may be presented as a means of reducing CO₂ emissions.

Conclusion. The results indicate that where and how consumers spend their time at home is a major factor in the generation of greenhouse gases. Spending in living-room with family members is the most environmentally sound approach.