The impact of lifestyle and attitudes on residential firewood demand in Norway

In this paper, we analyze the determinants of the demand for firewood by Norwegian households, focusing on intrinsic factors such as lifestyle and environmental attitudes, along with household socioeconomic characteristics. The data are from the Norwegian Consumer Expenditure Survey and a supplementary questionnaire on energy consumption and lifestyle. We apply a zero-inflated negative binomial model to correct for overdispersion and the excessive number of zeros in the data. The results indicate that an urban lifestyle and concerns for comfort are negatively associated with firewood demand. In addition, price has a strong negative effect on demand. However, the most important determinants of household firewood demand are the characteristics of the household residence, including location, and household characteristics such as age and income.

► Analyse how life-styles, attitudes and characteristics of the household and residence affect household firewood demand.
► Apply a Zero Inflated Negative Binomial model on household consumption data.
► Lifestyle factors and attitudes are important in determining firewood demand, but are not the main driving forces.
► Dwelling and household characteristics are critical in explaining household firewood demand.
► The demand for firewood is very price sensitive.