the impact of lifestyle choices on household energy consumption patterns

This paper explores the link between consumer lifestyle choices and household electricity consumption in Metro Manila, the Philippines. It addresses the topic of energy and development through a multi-disciplinary and systemic approach that combines environmental considerations with a social understanding of consumption. Consumption tends to be treated at the geographically bounded level of a nation or a region, whereas certain consumption patterns stem from globalization or the increased flow of people, ideas and remittances. Trends in the “west” can influence lifestyle choices in the “south”, which leads to challenges but also presents opportunities for transitions towards more sustainable forms of energy consumption

Combining Life Cycle Thinking with Social Theory: Case Study of Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) in the Philippines

Resource depletion remains central to human economic activity with resulting negative consequences for the local and global environment. Material and energy consumption patterns are also increasing globally, as developing countries follow the trail blazed by more industrialized countries. Consumers play a role in shifting towards more sustainable forms of consumption. However, consumer-oriented public-policy measures are often restricted to informational campaigns based on moral and price arguments. A multidisciplinary approach to sustainable consumption must go beyond this limited vision of consumers if transitions toward more environmentally friendly consumption patterns are to be made possible. Both a biophysical and social understanding of consumption is necessary. This paper proposes a systemic approach to consumption studies, combining an assessment of consumption patterns with an understanding of the drivers behind them. The concepts will be illustrated using a case study of the government-led promotion of compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) in Metro Manila, the Philippines. Conclusions will include general policy-recommendations.sustainable consumption; compact fluorescent lamps (CFL); life cycle thinking; rebound effect; the Philippines

Combining Life Cycle Thinking with Social Theory: Case Study of Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) in the Philippines

Resource depletion remains central to human economic activity with resulting negative consequences for the local and global environment. Material and energy consumption patterns are also increasing globally, as developing countries follow the trail blazed by more industrialized countries. Consumers play a role in shifting towards more sustainable forms of consumption. However, consumer-oriented public-policy measures are often restricted to informational campaigns based on moral and price arguments. A multidisciplinary approach to sustainable consumption must go beyond this limited vision of consumers if transitions toward more environmentally friendly consumption patterns are to be made possible. Both a biophysical and social understanding of consumption is necessary. This paper proposes a systemic approach to consumption studies, combining an assessment of consumption patterns with an understanding of the drivers behind them. The concepts will be illustrated using a case study of the government-led promotion of compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) in Metro Manila, the Philippines. Conclusions will include general policy-recommendations

A Matter of Trust in Metro Manila: Collective action towards ‘green economy’ transitions

Marlyne D. Sahakian reflects on the role of everyday people in charting transitions towards greener economies. The main assumption is that individual actions will not suffice: some forms of collective action will be necessary to challenge existing institutions, norms and values that are tied up with un-sustainable practices. Drawing from fieldwork based in Metro Manila, different forms of environmental mobilization are assessed through the lens of social practice theory and based on in-depth interviews and observations. Sahakian concludes that un-sustainable lifestyles in so-called industrialized countries may be setting norms and standards that are being upheld as ‘the good life’ elsewhere.

Understanding household energy consumption patterns: When "West Is Best" in Metro Manila

This paper addresses the topic of energy and development through a multi-disciplinary and systemic approach that combines environmental considerations with a social understanding of consumption. The focus is on electricity usage in the home and specifically lighting and cooling. Set in the urban mega-polis of Metro Manila, the Philippines, energy consumption is first placed in its biophysical perspective: the energy sources and electricity grid are presented, in relation to the Philippines as well as the region. The research findings then explore the social and cultural drivers behind household electricity consumption, revealing in several examples the strong influence of globalization--understood here as the flow of people, remittances, images and ideas. Policy recommendations are provided, based on the research results, with concluding remarks relevant to other similar contexts.Sustainable consumption Household energy The Philippines