An Experimental Study of the Effect of Energy Label Design on the Correct Evaluation of Buildings' Energy Performance and Promotion of Energy Saving

Mieko Fujisawa (), Kazuhisa Takemura (), Yukihiko Funaki (), Nobuyuki Uto () and Ryo Takahashi
Additional contact information
Mieko Fujisawa: Kanazawa University
Kazuhisa Takemura: Waseda University
Yukihiko Funaki: Waseda University
Nobuyuki Uto: Hokuriku University

International Real Estate Review, 2020, vol. 23, issue 1, 107-136

Abstract: Many countries have implemented an energy labeling system that displays the energy savings performance of buildings. However, previous studies have reported mixed findings on the effectiveness of this system. This study is undertaken in Japan to assess whether energy labels are effective and validate the significance of the label design. We use an online survey to determine the effects of energy labels on target consumers. We choose two energy label designs: one with a stairs rating form design and the second with a rating scale of the energy efficiency. Adopting a within-subjects method, each respondent is shown both designs and asked to evaluate the energy-saving level based on the labels. Cross-tabulation confirms the positive effects of labeling on energy-savings levels, which are amplified by increasing the level of the reference point. The highest insulation performance level in Japan complies with a law enacted back in 1993; the results show that greater effects can be realized by increasing the level of the reference point. A logistic regression analysis shows that energy labels with the stairs rating have a negative influence, while labels with a rating scale are preferred based on ease of understanding by the respondents. This suggests that energy labels that offer a rating scale can contribute to facilitating energy savings, although there are problems with the comprehension of the gradation colors which need to be further examined. These results can act as a guideline towards optimal designs of the upcoming task of modifying the energy labeling system in Japan.

Keywords: Energy Label; Home Insulation Performance; Real Estate Advertising; Framing Effect; Priming Effect; Reference Point (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L85 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.gssinst.org/irer/wp-content/uploads/20 ... of-Energy-Saving.pdf Full text (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ire:issued:v:23:n:01:2020:p:107-136

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
Global Social Science Institute, 9200 Corporate Blvd., Suite 420 Rockville, MD 20850
https://www.gssinst.org/gssinst/index.html

Access Statistics for this article

International Real Estate Review is currently edited by Professor Sing Tien Foo and Professor Ko Wang

More articles in International Real Estate Review from Global Social Science Institute Global Social Science Institute, 9200 Corporate Blvd., Suite 420 Rockville, MD 20850.
Bibliographic data for series maintained by IRER Graduate Assistant/Webmaster ().