The Economics of Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservative Attitudes in the Ghanaian Public Sector

The rising threats of climate change and energy security has recently resulted in an increased interest in energy consumption reduction using behavioral change interventions. However, structures, power and culture within organisations could propel or inhibit energy efficiency and conservation management practices. While opportunities for energy efficiency exist in public procurement and the refurbishment of a public building until energy management becomes a top priority of public sector organizations, energy efficiency and conservation opportunities will not be exploited. In the Ghanaian public sector, several interventions including the installation of Automatic Load Capacitor Limiters and Pre-paid Meters in some public facilities have been initiated by the Energy Commission of Ghana. However, these interventions cannot be sustained if no conscious efforts or policies are put in place to encourage energy conservation and attitudinal change in the public sector. Against this background, this study focused on the economics of energy efficiency and conservation in the Ghanaian public with a specific focus on the drivers and barriers influencing efficient energy use in the public sector. The positivism paradigm was employed through the use of a quantitative approach. In all, 108 public sector personnel responsible for energy management responded to the study through questionnaires. The study observed a positive attitude towards conservative energy among public institutions. However, the intention to be energy-efficient was perceived to be difficult by the personnel. There were fewer motivators for energy efficiency in the public sector. Developing a program that uses multifaceted approaches from both a structural and non-structural perceptive to achieve energy savings in the Ghanaian public sector is necessary.