Visualising household energy use in the interest of developing sustainable energy systems

Abstract

In times of climate change political goals concern a reduction in total energy consumption and to use energy more efficiently. To achieve this, users need to transform their behaviour and start reflecting on their energy use. This paper discusses three different methods for visualising energy use, namely information tools, keeping time-diaries and using the 'Power-Aware Cord'. Each method has its pros and cons, but combining different methods could prove a useful way to draw attention to household energy use and the possibilities for energy reduction. By combining the data gained from the different methods, it will be more likely that strategies will be found that are better suited to people's behaviour.