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Growth in mobile air-conditioning: A socio-technical research agenda

Parkhurst, Graham; Parnaby, Richard

Authors

Richard Parnaby



Abstract

The recent growth in European use of mobile air-conditioning (MAC) in transport is examined with reference to the experience of the longer-established trend in the buildings sector and to experience in the US. Air-conditioning is identified as significantly undermining improvements in energy efficiency, whilst the penetration of MAC is observed as having been particularly rapid and deep compared with static air-conditioning (SAC). A conceptual framework for the adoption of MAC is then proposed, which draws on sociological and psychological concepts as well as technical considerations in characterizing the processes influencing the adoption and use of MAC. The availability of empirical evidence to validate this model is then considered, with the finding that significant gaps in knowledge exist about why MAC is adopted, who benefits from its adoption, how the systems are used in practice, and the extent of satisfaction of travellers with the comfort of the environments of 'mobile buildings'. Although social norms and behaviour with respect to MAC are flexible, and hence subject to influence by climate change policy, significant further research is required to inform the specification of that policy.

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jul 1, 2008
Journal Building Research and Information
Print ISSN 0961-3218
Electronic ISSN 1466-4321
Publisher Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
Peer Reviewed Not Peer Reviewed
Volume 36
Issue 4
Pages 351-362
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/09613210802076500
Keywords air-conditioning, climate change, comfort, consumer behaviour, energy efficiency, mobile air-conditioning, transport, user behaviour
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1020917
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09613210802076500