THE SURVEY
HABITS
COUNTRY DATA
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Future Energy
Solutions
Insights
Our work
Contacts
New habits,
new world
Has COVID forever changed the way we live our lives?
And will our new habits add up to big shifts in the energy landscape?
Fresh opportunities have opened up to decarbonise our future.
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Our global survey asked people how their attitudes, habits, and aspirations had changed (or not) because of the pandemic and resulting lockdowns. What we uncovered shows the potential to move us onto a different energy path, one that leads to a more sustainable future.
We have an opportunity as consumers to drive the clean energy transition forward, and capitalise on the benefits our new behaviors could bring.
If our habits in three major areas stick — home and work lives, travel/transportation and purchasing – there could be major implications for how power is generated, distributed, consumed, and priced.
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Consumers have become more environmentally aware since the pandemic started
Believe their daily habits will now change to some extent going forward due to the impact of the pandemic
3 in 5
77%
Has COVID changed any of your habits, and if so, do you plan to keep any of your lifestyle changes once the pandemic is over?
TAKE THE SURVEY
TAKE THE SURVEY
Country spotlights
of New Zealanders think the government will meet their responsibility to achieve net zero by 2050
of New Zealanders would consider renewable sources to power their homes
of New Zealanders would consider buying an EV in the next five years
55%
51%
43%
of Canadians believe businesses and society are doing enough to achieve net zero.
of Canadians are considering purchasing an EV in the next five years
40%
46%
of Americans agree we all have a responsibility to change our habits to become more sustainable
of Americans believe society is doing its part to achieve net zero by 2050
86%
43%
of British consumers are considering using green technology to power or heat their homes
of consumers are likely to want to own an electric vehicle in the next five years
+1/2
46%
of Singaporeans prefer to have their homes powered by renewable energy
of Singaporeans are considering an EV in the next 5 years
75%
49%
of Australians are confident that society will be a driver for positive change
of Australians are considering an electric vehicle in the next five years
46%
37%
Instead of energy use being concentrated in commercial and industrial zones during the day, people are consuming more power at home, placing a higher demand across a wider area of the grid. Working from home may also be influencing people’s desire to change where they live, as they seek out green space and clean air away from city cores. At the beginning of 2021, some large cities experienced dips in population, demonstrating the extent to which changing work practices are making location increasingly a choice for some.
expect to shop
more online
44%
On average, consumers expect to spend almost 3 hours more each day online
3hrs
of employees expect to work from home
35%
GHD is providing product development engineering support for the world’s first household hydrogen energy storage system, known as LAVO. It uses innovative, patented metal hydride technology to store the equivalent of up to 60kWh electricity, enough to power an average household for three days. The system is being developed by Providence Asset Group, with the Hydrogen Energy Research Centre at the University of NSW, Australia. GHD has recently formalised an agreement to become a cornerstone investor in LAVO.
Hydrogen @ home
Why this matters
Energy change
As people face higher energy costs at home from lighting, heating/cooling and data usage, they may look to generate, store and consume their own power through renewables. Advances in storage and distribution of alternative energy sources such as hydrogen and PV batteries – both at a commercial and domestic level – will drive a decentralised energy grid and sponsor a new model for energy utilities. For people who choose to move, sustainable infrastructure, green technologies and ambitious ESG strategies may be key factors in picking a new location.
GHD is providing product development engineering support for the world’s first household hydrogen energy storage system, known as LAVO. It uses innovative, patented metal hydride technology to store the equivalent of up to 60kWh electricity, enough to power an average household for three days. The system is being developed by Providence Asset Group, with the Hydrogen Energy Research Centre at the University of NSW, Australia. GHD has recently formalised an agreement to become a cornerstone investor in LAVO.
Hydrogen @ home
Why this matters
Energy change
state the pandemic has made them consider relocating
34%
of people struggle to some degree with the costs of domestic energy
65-75%
'of city dwellers who would consider moving would prioritise somewhere with cleaner air'
1/3
A remote
revolution
We’re doing more at home
A remote
revolution
We’re doing more at home
[Not] stuck
in traffic
We're spending less time in transit
Transport can be one of the largest segments of an individual’s carbon footprint. Whether for commuting, errands, leisure or travel, many of us expect our travel time to remain lower – except when it comes to personal car use, which has served to replace some public transit use due to health and safety concerns. While fewer long-haul flights is good for individual carbon footprints, higher ridership on public transit is essential to cut down congestion and air pollution.
Take Charge is an innovation project that aims to make rapid EV charging at motorway service areas easier for service station operators and customers. GHD is leading the project on behalf of UK network operator, Western Power Distribution. The new standardised ‘one size fits all’ solution will provide up to 20MVA of capacity, ensuring that service station customers can simultaneously charge their vehicles at peak times. Future charging hubs will be built in car parks, supermarkets and taxi ranks.
Charge en route
Why this matters
Energy change
expect to travel less by rail
25%
expect to travel less by bus
27%
expect to travel less by plane
41%
The use of public transit has plummeted in many major cities, leaving systems – used to predictable patterns and financial models tied to full capacity ridership – struggling to cut budgets and deliver appropriate service levels. Going forward, they will also be up against an increased appetite for electric vehicles. To remain competitive, transit will need to better accommodate uncertainty and flexibility, and invest in better mode/network integration, fleet changeover to electric and fuel cell vehicles, and renewable energy sources to help adapt and appeal to changing consumer habits.
Take Charge is an innovation project that aims to make rapid EV charging at motorway service areas easier for service station operators and customers. GHD is leading the project on behalf of UK network operator, Western Power Distribution. The new standardised ‘one size fits all’ solution will provide up to 20MVA of capacity, ensuring that service station customers can simultaneously charge their vehicles at peak times. Future charging hubs will be built in car parks, supermarkets and taxi ranks.
Charge en route
Why this matters
Energy change
3 in 5 consumers would like investment in greener public transport prioritised over personal transport (58%)
3 out of 4 people expect to travel the same amount, or more, by car as before the pandemic
[Not] stuck
in traffic
We're spending less time in transit
Great green
expectations
We want more sustainable products
We increasingly value sustainable products and are seeing growing demand for the ability to generate renewable energy at home. Many are strongly considering major investments into green technology, including electric vehicles and domestic green energy solutions like solar panels, ground source or hydrogen heating. This preference also extends into our overall buying preferences and even potential future employers.
The Hornsdale Power Reserve is Australia’s first gridscale lithium-ion battery installation. With 100 MW/129 MWh, it is a pioneer in storage technology, providing essential grid support and system security for the South Australian electricity network. It demonstrates world-leading innovation in renewable energy, as Neoen partnered with Tesla to get the battery system installed in 100 days. GHD played a critical role in the connection, installation, and as owner's engineer.
Green grid storage
Why this matters
Energy change
think green credentials will influence their future employment choices
20%
consumers are less likely to buy from organisations with weak sustainability records
The emissions generated in manufacturing goods is a significant contributor to our carbon footprint. The use of alternative fuels for industrial processes and the implementation of carbon capture and storage could help to lower the carbon footprint of goods. To accommodate both industrial and domestic green energy generation and use, network transformation for our existing grids will be necessary. To capitalise on the interest in EVs, reliable charging infrastructure will have to be built.
Why this matters
Energy change
Great green
expectations
We want more sustainable products
The Hornsdale Power Reserve is Australia’s first gridscale lithium-ion battery installation. With 100 MW/129 MWh, it is a pioneer in storage technology, providing essential grid support and system security for the South Australian electricity network. It demonstrates world-leading innovation in renewable energy, as Neoen partnered with Tesla to get the battery system installed in 100 days. GHD played a critical role in the connection, installation, and as owner's engineer.
Green grid storage
would consider ground source or hydrogen at home
>1/2
would consider generating solar power at home
75%
of consumers would consider an electric vehicle
75%
TAKE THE SURVEY
TAKE THE SURVEY
Would you install renewable power or heat sources at home,
if the technical capacity existed?
TAKE THE SURVEY
TAKE THE SURVEY
How likely would you be to buy an electric vehicle
(EV) in the next 5 years?
TAKE THE SURVEY
TAKE THE SURVEY
Does your perception of a company as being environmentally-friendly/sustainable make you more likely to buy goods/services from them?
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FUTURE ENERGY
STAY INFORMED
STAY INFORMED
A
Yes, I will continue to work from home
B
Yes, I will actively reduce the amount I travel
c
I am committed to purchasing more sustainable products
All of the above
D
None of the above
E
Has COVID changed any of your habits, and if so, do you plan to keep any of your lifestyle changes once the pandemic is over?
01/05
QUESTION
A
Yes, strongly
B
Yes, but it is only one of many factors
c
Maybe – it is nice if it happens to be the case but I don’t go out of my way
No, not at all
D
I actively shun sustainable companies
E
Does your perception of a company as being environmentally-friendly/sustainable make you more likely to buy goods/services from them?
02/05
QUESTION
A
Have more space in a larger house
B
Leave city life for somewhere closer to nature and clean air
c
Live in a location where it is possible to install renewable energy sources
Be further away (naturally socially-distanced!) from other people
D
I am happy where I live and don’t want to move
E
COVID lockdowns have made me consider relocating
in order to:
03/05
QUESTION
A
I would definitely buy an EV
B
I would seriously consider an EV, but there are still too many logistical barriers
c
I do not want to buy an EV
I already own an EV
D
I don’t need any type of personal vehicle
E
How likely would you be to buy an electric vehicle (EV)
in the next 5 years?
04/05
QUESTION
A
Ground source heat pumps (i.e. draws up heat energy from below the earth’s surface)
B
Solar panels
c
Hydrogen boiler (i.e. boilers that use hydrogen instead of natural gas) and/or hydrogen battery
All of the above
D
None of the above
E
Would you install renewable power or heat sources at home, if the technical capacity existed?
05/05
QUESTION
You might be stuck in lockdown mode.
The future looks greener already! You're leading the way down the path to net zero.
You might be stuck
in lockdown mode.
RETAKE THE SURVEY
RETAKE THE SURVEY
Your result:
You might be stuck in lockdown mode.
The future looks greener already! You're leading the way down the path to net zero.
You’re on the starting line and see the pathway ahead –
time to start walking.
RETAKE THE SURVEY
RETAKE THE SURVEY
Your result:
You might be stuck in lockdown mode.
The future looks greener already! You're leading the way down the path to net zero.
The future looks greener already! You're leading the way down the path to net zero.
RETAKE THE SURVEY
RETAKE THE SURVEY
Your result:
[close]
[close]
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TEJ GIDDA
Talk to me about:
All things hydrogen
Government relations and public policy
Community support development
Strategic communication
CONNECT with TEJ
Global Leader -
Future Energy
RICHARD FECHNER
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Co-creating Future Energy projects
Orgination
Commercial models and Transactions advice
Funding models
GHD Advisory
Executive Manager
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Contributors
BROOKE MAKI
Talk to me about:
All things hydrogen
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Community support development
Strategic communication
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Market Development Leader - Future Energy
CLICK TO PLAY VIDEO
GHD is providing product development engineering support for the world’s first household hydrogen energy storage system, known as LAVO. It uses innovative, patented metal hydride technology to store the equivalent of up to 60kWh electricity, enough to power an average household for three days. The system is being developed by Providence Asset Group, with the Hydrogen Energy Research Centre at the University of NSW, Australia. GHD has recently formalised an agreement to become a cornerstone investor in LAVO.
Hydrogen @ home
Take Charge is an innovation project that aims to make rapid EV charging at motorway service areas easier for service station operators and customers. GHD is leading the project on behalf of UK network operator, Western Power Distribution. The new standardised ‘one size fits all’ solution will provide up to 20MVA of capacity, ensuring that service station customers can simultaneously charge their vehicles at peak times. Future charging hubs will be built in car parks, supermarkets and taxi ranks.
Charge en route
The Hornsdale Power Reserve is Australia’s first gridscale lithium-ion battery installation. With 100 MW/129 MWh, it is a pioneer in storage technology, providing essential grid support and system security for the South Australian electricity network. It demonstrates world-leading innovation in renewable energy, as Neoen partnered with Tesla to get the battery system installed in 100 days. GHD played a critical role in the connection, installation, and as owner's engineer.
Green grid storage
A remote
revolution
We’re doing more at home
[Not] stuck
in traffic
We're spending less time in transit
Great green
expectations
We want more sustainable products
of New Zealanders think the government will meet their responsibility to achieve net zero by 2050
of New Zealanders would consider renewable sources to power their homes
of New Zealanders would consider buying an EV in the next five years
55%
51%
43%
of Canadians believe businesses and society are doing enough to achieve net zero.
of Canadians are considering purchasing an EV in the next five years
40%
46%
of Americans agree we all have a responsibility to change our habits to become more sustainable
of Americans believe society is doing its part to achieve net zero by 2050
86%
43%
of Singaporeans prefer to have their homes powered by renewable energy
of Singaporeans are considering an EV in the next 5 years
75%
49%
of Australians are confident that society will be a driver for positive change
of Australians are considering an electric vehicle in the next five years
46%
37%
of British consumers are considering using green technology to power or heat their homes
of consumers are likely to want to own an electric vehicle in the next five years
+1/2
46%
of New Zealanders think the government will meet their responsibility to achieve net zero by 2050
of New Zealanders would consider renewable sources to power their homes
of New Zealanders would consider buying an EV in the next five years
55%
51%
43%
of Canadians believe businesses and society are doing enough to achieve net zero.
of Canadians are considering purchasing an EV in the next five years
40%
46%
of Americans agree we all have a responsibility to change our habits to become more sustainable
of Americans believe society is doing its part to achieve net zero by 2050
86%
43%
of Singaporeans prefer to have their homes powered by renewable energy
of Singaporeans are considering an EV in the next 5 years
75%
49%
of Australians are confident that society will be a driver for positive change
of Australians are considering an electric vehicle in the next five years
46%
37%
of British consumers are considering using green technology to power or heat their homes
of consumers are likely to want to own an electric vehicle in the next five years
+1/2
46%
Country spotlights
GHD is providing product development engineering support for the world’s first household hydrogen energy storage system, known as LAVO. It uses innovative, patented metal hydride technology to store the equivalent of up to 60kWh electricity, enough to power an average household for three days. The system is being developed by Providence Asset Group, with the Hydrogen Energy Research Centre at the University of NSW, Australia. GHD has recently formalised an agreement to become a cornerstone investor in LAVO.
Hydrogen @ home
A remote
revolution
We’re doing more at home
[Not] stuck
in traffic
We're spending less time in transit
Take Charge is an innovation project that aims to make rapid EV charging at motorway service areas easier for service station operators and customers. GHD is leading the project on behalf of UK network operator, Western Power Distribution. The new standardised ‘one size fits all’ solution will provide up to 20MVA of capacity, ensuring that service station customers can simultaneously charge their vehicles at peak times. Future charging hubs will be built in car parks, supermarkets and taxi ranks.
Charge en route
Great green
expectations
We want more sustainable products
The Hornsdale Power Reserve is Australia’s first gridscale lithium-ion battery installation. With 100 MW/129 MWh, it is a pioneer in storage technology, providing essential grid support and system security for the South Australian electricity network. It demonstrates world-leading innovation in renewable energy, as Neoen partnered with Tesla to get the battery system installed in 100 days. GHD played a critical role in the connection, installation, and as owner's engineer.
Green grid storage
