Abstract:
Climatic problems such as global warming are becoming crucial worldwide.
Especially in countries like Greece, the combination of climatic conditions and
ineffective urban planning has aggravated the situation. High temperatures in
common with dense building and lack of green zones have resulted in the Urban Heat
Island phenomenon. Especially buildings are considered to contribute to greenhouse
gas emissions. In an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a more
environmentally-friendly building concept has emerged. Green buildings have been
considered a good option that would help reduce energy consumption and thus
mitigate environmental degradation.
This thesis, uses literature that refers to pro-environmental behaviour and elaborates
on ten Greek house owners’ decision to live in a green house. Case study research
strategy and semi-structured interviews qualitatively analyze how several factors
affected the ten house owners’ decision.
Lack of thermal comfort and high energy cost in the previous house had a deep
impact on house owners’ decision. Environmental sensitivity and family as well were
found to have served as a strong stimulus. Moreover, information provided by the
media and by the participants’ workplace proved helpful. The guidelines given by the
construction company, also played an important part in the ten Greek house owners’
decision.
