Analysis of stakeholder-associated factors and their interactions in energy conservation behaviour of occupants: evidence from network analysis

Buildings account for a significant portion of energy consumption, and occupants’ behaviour plays a crucial role in conserving energy. While previous research has delved into factors affecting the energy conservation behaviour of occupants, the specific interactions and the influence conduction paths remain ambiguous. Moreover, the importance of stakeholders in energy conservation has often been overlooked. This study aims to explore the stakeholder-related factors and their interaction network based on social network analysis. A unique aspect of this research is its focus on the interaction network among factors from the perspective of stakeholders, extending the application of social network analysis in novel ways. The findings propose that policies and regulations guide occupants’ attention to energy conservation behaviour and information feedback mainly serves as a means of communication, providing a channel for the transmission of information from other factors. Government supervision has become a key means for the government to promote energy-saving behavior among occupants due to the widest influence and the shortest transmission path, with policies and regulations being the critical construct to the suppliers and occupants. Besides, the executors play a crucial intermediary role, and are the primary responsible individuals for accelerating the occupants’ access to external energy-saving information. This research uncovers the interaction network of stakeholder-related factors and provides practical implications for various stakeholders to encourage occupants’ energy conservation behaviour.