Adoption of Energy Efficiency Technologies: A Review of Behavioral Theories for the Case of LED Lighting

Abstract

What factors are most significant in understanding adoption behavior for energy efficiency technologies by commercial, residential, and industrial customers? The case of energy efficient lighting technologies is specifically examined. Several types of lighting technologies are compared to indoor LED lighting to determine how the technology meets the needs of the various user types. What factors are most significant in motivating technology adoption for such technologies, and preventing subsequent technology disadoption? This is particularly important for energy efficient lighting technologies, as both technology adoption and technology disadoption can be extremely rapid, and ongoing user involvement is often required to recognize full benefits from these technologies. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) is useful in explaining adoption behavior related to stakeholder expectation and buy-in for the new technologies. UTAUT contains four elements that can be adapted to fit this research: (1) Performance Expectancy; (2) Effort Expectancy; (3) Social Influences; and (4) Facilitating Conditions. In the case of energy efficient lighting adoption, and LED adoption in particular, performance expectancy and effort expectancy can be related to factors such as future energy price expectancies, actual savings results, and ease of energy savings. Factors involving social influences include perceptions of environmental friendliness among different user groups, and facilitating conditions include policies, incentives, and educational programs to encourage adoption. Some conclusions are then drawn regarding adoption factors for emerging energy efficient lighting technologies.