PNNL

Abstract

Occupant behaviour and decision-making dynamics substantially impact technology uptake and energy performance of residential buildings. Significant research exists outlining the importance of social science research in energy policy, yet little public data exists with representative samples of data regarding household energy decision-making patterns. The dataset (UPGRADE-E: Understanding Patterns Guiding Residential Adoption and Decisions about Energy Efficiency) presents 9,919 responses from U.S. residents of single-family and small multifamily homes. Derived from a national-scale survey (50 states and Washington D.C.), the dataset contains 391 variables: demographics, building characteristics, home modifications, willingness to make decarbonization changes, motivations for making changes, barriers, program participation, trusted information sources, and energy scenarios. UPGRADE-E advances knowledge of household decision-making, tying demographics, home modifications, and self-reported cognitive drivers together at a scale and breadth that has not been previously achieved. Policymakers at local, regional, and national levels may leverage this dataset to understand drivers influencing the adoption of key technologies in U.S. homes.