Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among energy consumption behavior and its relevant variables. More specifically, this study attempted to examine the validity of existing theoretical model by collecting empirical data and identifying path model based on the data. Subjects in this study were 236 residents in apartment complexes who lived in Seoul and KyungGi province in Korea. By administering a set of questionnaires, 14 constructs related to energy consumption behavior were measured and the relationships among the constructs were analyzed. The results revealed that the goodness of fit of the model proposed in this study based on the existing literature was acceptable but it was modified so that the model could have a better goodness of fit. As a result, the modified model was found to have a better goodness of fit(GFI=.98, RMR=.04). More specifically, 'environmental attitude' significantly predicted 'environmental knowledge'. And 'environmental concern' had a direct effect on 'behavioral intention' and 'actual consumption behavior' Especially, 'internal locus of control' and 'personal responsibility', as personality factors, had both direct and indirect effect on 'actual consumption behavior'. On the other hand, the relationships between 'behavioral intention' and 'actual consumption behavior' which was proposed in the existing literature was not demonstrated in this study. In sum, the causal relationships between energy consumption behavior and its relevant variables were examined and the relationships demonstrated in this study should be a basis for the future studies and practical considerations for energy preservation.