Heterogeneity in Consumers’ Usage Behavior and Environmental Impact Assessment

In this study, we have developed a framework for understanding the heterogeneity and uncertainties present in the usage phase of the product lifecycle through utilizing the capabilities of Agent Based Modeling (ABM) technique. An ABM framework has been developed to model consumers’ daily product usage decisions and to assess the corresponding electricity consumption patterns. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) with the addition of the habit construct is used to model agents’ decision-making criteria. A case study is presented on the power management behavior of personal computer users and the possible benefits of using smart metering and feedback systems. The results of the simulation demonstrate that the utilization of smart metering and feedback systems can promote the energy conservation behaviors and reduce the total electricity consumption of households by 20 percent.  

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