Residential energy efficiency: changes in household chores for women and men

A substantial amount of energy is used in the residential sector. Many of the measures that residents can apply by themselves to save energy demand a change in behaviour, and thus everyday life is altered. It is common for women and men to take on different responsibilities in the household when they live together. Women spend more time on household chores and take the main responsibility for washing and cooking. In this study, we investigated how behaviour changed when women and men took part in various types of energy-saving campaigns. The data were obtained through 30 interviews in four different locations in Sweden. The results showed substantial adaptation and changes in behaviour. Examples included lowering room temperatures during the night, avoiding the use of tumble-dryers, replacing baths with showers, turning out lights, using energy-saving light bulbs, cooking and washing during hours when electricity is cheap and refitting the house for higher energy efficiency. The changes needed for this adaption imply that women take on new responsibilities in areas that are their traditional territory, including many tasks carried out on a daily basis suh as washing and drying clothes. Men often take on new responsibilities within the sphere of their traditional territory, such as building alterations or installing new equipment. These tasks are typically carried out during short periods and are mainly relevant in owner-occupied residences.