Analysis of the influencing mechanism of command-and-control instruments on adopting energy consumption monitoring technology in public buildings

How can command-and-control instruments (CACs) influence consumers' adoption of energy consumption monitoring technology (ECMT) in public buildings? We attempt to answer this question in an extended theory of planned behaviour in which CACs and energy-saving awareness (ESA) are introduced. Empirical data are collected by a questionnaire survey with 298 respondents, and structural equation modelling (SEM) is used to analyse the research model. The results indicate that ESA has a direct impact on consumers' adoption of ECMT. The CACs have no direct effect on consumers' adoption of ECMT but can indirectly affect consumers' adoption of ECMT through three paths: CAC -> ATT (attitudes) -> BI (behavioural intention), CAC -> ESA -> BI and CAC -> SN (subjective norm) -> BI. Finally, suggestions are proposed, such as optimising the selection and combination of policy instruments, promoting the operation manager's attitude towards ECMT to a more positive orientation, improving the ESA of the operation manager and providing more support for and pressure on the operation manager who has not adopted ECMT.