En'lightening' energy use: the co-evolution of household lighting practices

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) are a well-developed, readily available technology that could deliver substantial energy savings in the residential sector. Due to this, lighting is usually a preferred target for household energy-saving campaigns and policies. However, the energy used to light homes continues to rise. In order to explore the reasons behind this increase, this paper examines changing household lighting practices in the UK using recent in-depth interview data and drawing upon current sociological theories about the construction of consumption practices. The paper illustrates how lighting choices made by householders tend to co-evolve with the household lighting practices portrayed by the media. It concludes that policies seeking to promote energy-efficient lighting technologies would be well advised to enlist the support of lighting designers, manufacturers, advertisers and sales people involved in the presentation of household lighting practices in the media. Copyright © 2008 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd

Illuminating Household Energy Demand and the Policies for Its Reduction

The amount of energy used to light homes in the UK continues to rise, despite the availability of compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs and significant policy efforts to reduce energy demand for domestic lighting. This paper examines household lighting demand, in the UK, from a socio-technical perspective, drawing on recent in-depth interview data. This research indicates that mood lighting is becoming increasingly significant, that a desire to have stylish interiors can override environmental principles, and that household lighting practices are heavily influenced by the media. The paper concludes that lighting policy must place greater emphasis on engaging with those involved in the design and promotion of household lighting, if we are to significantly reduce energy demand in this sector