Energy efficiency and appliance’s characteristics considered prior to purchase: Differences and similarities between the United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, Greece, Poland, Spain and Italy

摘要

This article reports country differences in the consumer’s most considered characteristics when choosingelectrical appliances, including but not restricted to the energy efficiency aspect. A survey was performedto store customers from 7 countries: the United Kingdom; Germany; Portugal; Greece; Poland;Spain; Italy. Results showed consistency between countries in the top three characteristics considered:cost; quality; and a balance between price and quality. Differences were found for reported environmentalattitudes and behaviours, purchase motives, and store employees evaluation. The results maysupport national policies and store level energy efficiency interventions. Specifically, they can provideinput for store employee’s training, in persuading customers towards the purchase of energy efficientappliances.