Exploring attitudes, beliefs, and motives related to energy efficiency for buildings in Ireland and Italy

Buildings represent one of the leading energy consumers in the world and one of the largest CO2 and particulate matter emitters, thus their impact is significant on both the environment and the human health. Heat pumps systems powered by renewable energy have been identified as a valid tool to address such a situation, but the diffusion of these energy efficient systems is still insufficient. This qualitative research explores beliefs, attitudes, and motives related to specific energy efficiency technologies, based on in-depth interviews with experts of the building sector and focus groups with users, where the latter were also engaged in the assessment of an innovative integrated solar/heat pump system. Results point out the relevance of information sources and personal advantages, in terms of money savings and well-being, in driving the decision, while regulatory frameworks were identified as important contextual factors. Policy actions are suggested to support the creation of local services for technical information and assistance, in addition to financial aid for less advantaged households, in order to foster widespread diffusion of these technologies.