An investigation into factors influencing domestic energy consumption in an energy subsidized developing economy

• This paper identifies factors increasing energy demand in domestic sector in Saudi Arabia.
• It identifies socio-cultural blockers that hinder the adoption of sustainable homes.
• The research identifies public awareness and engagement with sustainable homes.
• It presents the need for government initiatives of incentives and regulations.

The paper focuses on public perception of sustainable homes in a developing economy, namely Saudi Arabia, known for its high energy consumption and CO2 emission rates. The research explores (i) public perception and knowledge of sustainable and/or low energy homes, (ii) domestic stock typology (including architectural style), (iii) energy consumption patterns, (iv) levels of satisfaction with energy (i.e. HVAC) systems, (v) cultural barriers that prevent the delivery of low energy homes, and (vi) people's acceptance of energy retrofitting and/or sustainable homes. For this purpose, a comprehensive survey (n = 622) was conducted across the country. The findings reveal limited public awareness as well as important socio-cultural barriers to the delivery of sustainable homes, and large scale energy retrofitting of the existing domestic stock.