Energies, Vol. 18, Pages 6137: Pro-Environmental Attitudes and Behaviors Toward Energy Saving and Transportation

Energies, Vol. 18, Pages 6137: Pro-Environmental Attitudes and Behaviors Toward Energy Saving and Transportation

Energies doi: 10.3390/en18236137

Authors:
Anna Kochanek
Tomasz Zacłona
Mariusz Cembruch-Nowakowski
Józef Janczura
Iga Pietrucha
Piotr Herbut
Tomasz Kotowski
Aneta Oleksy-Gębczyk
Sylwia Guzdek
Anna Majkrzak

The study analyzes pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors of residents in the mountainous regions of Małopolska regarding energy saving and transportation. The main objective was to determine the extent to which environmental awareness, vehicle technical condition, and driving style translate into actual energy-efficient behaviors. The research was conducted using a quantitative method among 423 respondents from six mountain districts of Małopolska, based on a proprietary questionnaire and statistical analysis employing non-parametric tests, correlation coefficients, and principal component analysis. The results indicate that respondents most frequently declare simple pro-environmental actions such as waste segregation and energy saving, while less often engaging in activities requiring higher effort or investment, such as eco-driving or limiting car use. Women exhibit higher environmental sensitivity and greater support for ecological regulations, whereas men tend to focus on the technical aspects of vehicle maintenance. The most pro-environmental attitudes and motivations to switch to low-emission vehicles are observed among individuals aged 25–44. The findings confirm that demographic factors significantly differentiate eco–energy-saving orientations, and that environmentally friendly transport behaviors are closely linked to everyday energy-saving practices.