Author:
Li Pingfei,Zheng Dingwei,Yan Li,Zhou Qianxi
Abstract
AbstractPurchasing energy-saving products is key for public participation in energy conservation and sustainable development. However, the sale of fraudulent energy-saving products has boomed through online shopping, with little research on these products and consumer demands. This study explored the underlying factors driving consumer purchases of fraudulent energy-saving products and measured their impact on environmental awareness. Sales data for such products from four major online shopping platforms were collected. Results suggested unique demand characteristics from consumers who unknowingly purchase fraudulent energy-saving products, referred to as “hidden energy savers”, including a preference for moderately priced products, a desire for straightforward energy-saving explanations, and a tendency to seek multiple additional features, even if they conflict with the core functionality. Perceived installation and usage difficulty significantly influences purchasing behavior. A practical survey of freight companies and individual transporters’ demand for freight energy-saving products was conducted as a case study to validate the practical application of this research. This study presents a novel perspective on public energy-saving behavior, aiding in creating true energy-saving products, boosting public energy conservation interest, and reducing the negative impact of fraudulent products on environmental awareness. It also sheds light on hidden consumer needs, guiding the development of authentic energy-saving products.
Funder
The Graduate Discipline Competition Special Fund of Xihua University for the project "Design of a Small Recyclable Delivery Box and Its Circulation Organization Considering User Needs."
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Reference26 articles.
1. Corbos, R.-A., Bunea, O.-I. & Jiroveanu, D.-C. The effects of the energy crisis on the energy-saving behavior of young people. Energy Strategy Rev. 49, 101184 (2023).
2. United Nations. The Paris Agreement|UNFCCC. https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement (2015).
3. Liobikienė, G. & Butkus, M. The European Union possibilities to achieve targets of Europe 2020 and Paris agreement climate policy. Renew. Energy 106, 298–309 (2017).
4. XNA (Xinhua News Agency). Central Government of the People’s Republic of China: ‘The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the State Council about the Complete and Accurate to Fully Implement the New Concept of Development to Do a Good Job of Carbon of Peak Carbon Neutral Opinion’.
5. Waechter, S., Sütterlin, B. & Siegrist, M. The misleading effect of energy efficiency information on perceived energy friendliness of electric goods. J. Clean. Prod. 93, 193–202 (2015).