MISSISSAUGA, Ontario– Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has revealed that nearly 9 out of 10 (86 per cent) global consumers believe climate change will lead to rising energy bills and individuals should play a larger role on climate change.
Key findings from consumer study include:
- 7 out of 10 (72 per cent) consumers consider reducing carbon footprints a personal priority
- Over half (55 per cent) place importance on their homes becoming net zero, yet less than a third (31 per cent) actually believe this is likely to happen.
- Over half (55 per cent) believe it’s the responsibility of individuals to tackle climate change
Jaap Ham, Associate Professor in the Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences at Eindhoven University of Technology, who consulted on the report findings says: “With energy prices on the rise and the cost of living higher than ever, coupled with the growing number of devices and Electric Vehicles (EVs) on the road, home energy management is now one of the biggest areas of consideration for consumers, home builders, businesses and governments globally. While these numbers show many wanting to make changes but feeling pessimistic about the difference they can make – the future is truly in our hands as we make dwellings more sustainable with the help of modern home energy management (HEM) technologies. The biggest barrier to change right now is our mindset. We have created psychological roadblocks that result in us shirking the responsibility to take action. These findings show that as we adopt smart digital solutions to fight the invisible foe (energy management and consumption), replace fossil fuels with smart, clean electricity in our homes’ energy diets, we can see how we’re making a meaningful contribution to our global fight for the healthier planet. Moreover, we should be able to do good for the environment without compromising on our comfort.”
The study also reveals that today’s consumers want to lead sustainable lifestyles, putting energy efficiency at home as their major priority.
- 40 per cent of respondents believe that smart home technology will help make their home more sustainable
- Over half (54 per cent) expect their new home or apartments to be equipped with smart home devices, a 13 per cent uplift over previously conducted research (2020)
- Smart lighting and smart thermostats are also now in the top three most purchased smart devices
Coupled with the already rising cost of living, managing energy consumption and costs are the fundamental drivers causing consumers to take actions and invest in smart sustainable solutions.
Answering the need for sustainable innovation to enable consumers in their quest to improve energy efficiency and sustainability in the home, Schneider Electric is stepping forward to help solve the energy challenges of today and tomorrow. By bringing innovative solutions and materials to reduce carbon footprint, by working with others and by fully capturing the power of its technologies and services, the company can help to make energy use at home smarter and efficient and reduce impact of homes on the planet.
YiFu Qi, Executive Vice-President of Global Home and Distribution at Schneider Electric, says: “Consumers in the current energy crisis need to feel they are in control over how energy is produced, stored and distributed in the home – in terms of sustainability and energy bills. The residential market is at a tipping point, and the good news is the technological solutions already exist, like Wiser, that help consumers lead more sustainable lifestyles and empower them to play a meaningful role in achieving our net zero goals. Our research shows there is a greater understanding amongst consumers about how they can improve their home energy management and that smart home technology can help them be more efficient. The next step is to implement this knowledge before it’s too late.”
