Homes energy policy needs to consider space demand

Energy policy must factor in that average space per person is increasing in homes in order to achieve global climate change targets, according to new research led by St Andrews University.

The new study, published in Nature Energy, identified an increase in house size and parallel trends of decreasing household size, resulting in more domestic space per person.

The study outlines why energy research must consider lifestyle expectations and demographic trends

“Household size decline has energy implication

that are generally seen as outside the remit of energy policy.

This is because the main energy use in homes is for heating space.

Current trends of larger homes and fewer occupants are not addressed by government interventions of energy efficiency programmes and pro-environmental behaviour campaigns.

The research, led by Dr Katherine Ellsworth-krebs at the School of Geography and Sustainable Development, highlights missed opportunities by government.

Dr Ellsworth-krebs said: “Household size decline has important energy implications and shifts in household size are an important determinant of energy consumption and carbon emissions.

“Ensuring housing offers basic necessities of shelter and privacy are essential yet increasing space per person has implications for energy and these trends beg the question: why do we need larger houses for smaller households?”