Multi-Criteria Assessment of Household Preferences for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: An Analysis of Household Survey Data from Four European Cities

摘要

Objective To assess household preferences for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with respect to criteria of C02e emissions, health impact and cost. Setting Mid-size cities in France, Germany, Norway and Sweden (the HOPE project). Method An inventory of 65 GHG reduction actions was assessed using a C02e emissions, health impact and cost calculator for 309 households. The impact of each action on health was graded using a five-point scale (slightly negative, no impact, and three grades of health benefit). Each action was then compared in terms of these three dimensions (C02e reduction, cost, health) using scores which gave alternative priority weightings to each dimension. The results were examined in relation to the proportion of respondents declaring their willingness to implement each action. Results Actions rated most highly on the combined C02e reduction-health-cost score included switching towards an increasingly vegetarian diet, reducing motor vehicle use in favour of public transport and/or walking and cycling, giving up ready meals, and measures to improve insulation of the home (roof, walls, windows). However, most households were unwilling to make substantial shifts towards becoming vegetarian or towards reducing motor vehicle use. Actions that respondents were often willing to implement and scored highly on the three dimensions of impact included: eating 30% more vegetarian food, walking and cycling instead of using public transport, 'eco-driving', and improvements of roof and window insulation. Conclusion Most householders appear willing to make appreciable changes to their lifestyle and home in order to help achieve GHG emissions reductions, including (but not limited to) moderate (not extreme) dietary modification, some reduction in private vehicle journeys, and home energy efficiency improvements. Though such actions may alone not be sufficient to meet pressing GHG reduction targets.