Household energy efficiency interventions: A systematic literature review

Abstract

Energy efficiency in the home is a major concern for households, governments and various non-government organisations. Energy efficiency has implications beyond usage and costs, with various co-benefit outcomes such as improved household health and well-being, comfort, air quality, increased productivity, energy security and improved social capital. The purpose of this systematic literature review is to examine energy efficiency interventions in advanced economies focusing on the household and determine the level of evidence regarding their effectiveness. We broadly scrutinise literature from 1990 to November 2019 to determine how theory and frameworks are used (or not used) to inform household interventions, the populations or groups of focus, which techniques and activities are used, and how outcomes are measured. We find mixed evidence to support specific types of interventions; however, when multiple techniques and activities were used, the intervention's success was more likely. We conclude with policy implications that call for more integrated and methodical explanations of interventions to better support critical decision-making for government.