Smart energy management in residential buildings: the impact of knowledge and behavior

A new technology called smart energy management makes use of IoT concepts to enhance energy efficiency and lower waste in structures. The goal of this study is to comprehend how household energy management knowledge affects energy usage, user behavior, related expenses, and environmental effect. Through a survey of 100 valid replies in Palestine, the research model assessed the knowledge and consumption habits of building occupants. Smart PLS software was used to analyze the research model using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Using path coefficients and behavior as a mediating variable, the structural model connected the latent variables. The mediation hypotheses were tested using the Preacher and Hayes method, and the indirect effect and confidence intervals were estimated and calculated using bootstrapping. The findings demonstrated that by lowering energy use and enhancing overall building performance, residential buildings that implement smart energy consumption management systems may move toward a more sustainable future. Furthermore, the study found that education and awareness campaigns are necessary to increase residents' knowledge of these systems to promote energy savings. The results also indicated statistically significant indirect effects, supporting the existence of mediation of the behavior construct. Path coefficient values and P-values were presented to further support the study's hypotheses. Such smart energy management systems represent an important innovation in building management and can help create more sustainable and efficient buildings.