Bio
My name is Mary Pothitou and this is my personal site and online portfolio.
I was born in Trikala, Greece in 1982. I graduated from Technological Educational Institute of Western Macedonia and after achieving a PGCert in Pedagogical & Teaching Competency, I moved to the UK.
I enrolled on an MSc program at Energy & Environmental Engineering, Renewables & Environment in Edinburgh Napier University. Subsequently, I achieved a Master by Research at Domestic Energy Consumption & Occupant's Behaviour at Cranfield University. In March 2014, I joined TSBE Centre at Reading University as a doctoral researcher.
Education & Training
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EngD 2014 - Present
Engineering Doctoral on Small Power Use & Working Practices in Office Buildings
Cranfield University, UK
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M.Sc. by Research 2012 - 2015
Master of Science by Research in Domestic Energy Consumption & Occupant's Behaviour
Cranfield University, UK
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M.Sc. 2011 - 2012
Master of Science in Energy & Environmental Engineering, Renewables & Environment
Edinburgh Napier University, UK
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PGCert2009
Pedagogical & Teaching Competence
School of Pedagogical and Technological Education, Greece
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B.Sc.2000 - 2005
Bachelor of Science in Geotechnology and Environmental Engineering
Technological Educational Institute of Western Macedonia, Greece
Professional Certifications
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2014Practical Auditing of Environmental Management Systems - ISO 14001:2004 & ISO 19011:2002
EUCAT SA in association with CMC International (UK) Ltd -
2015BCS Certificate in Business Analysis Practice
BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, License 00285469
Research Summary
I joined the TSBE Centre in March 2014. My previous study in Cranfield University was related to research on energy savings through behavioural change in the residential sector. My current research focuses on users' needs and expectations in commercial buildings, exploring past and current building standards as well as energy saving opportunities in the building lifecycle.
Interests
- Environmental Engineering
- Energy
- Sustainability
- Auditing of Environmental Management Systems
- Energy Use in Residential and Commercial Sector
- Teaching
Publications
Please see my publications below.
ICT entertainment appliances’ impact on domestic electricity consumption.
Journal Paper Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, November 23 , 2016
Abstract
Increased electricity consumption and environmental impacts of Information Communication Technology (ICT) have been subjects of research since the 1990s. This paper focuses on consumer electronics in households, in particular TVs, computers and their peripherals. ICT accounts for almost 15% of global domestic electricity use, including waste energy from devices left on standby which is estimated in the EU-27 to contribute 6% of residential energy demand. In Europe, the household electricity consumption from small electronic appliances, including ICT, increased by 2.5 times in 2011 compared to 1990. Similarly, in the UK, energy demand from electronic devices accounted for 23% of total household electricity use in 2012, compared to 12% in 1990. This is an outcome of the market saturation of new, cheaper ICT entertainment devices, facilitated by marketing strategies which identify new needs for consumers, as charted by the review of market growth in this paper. New increasingly portable laptops, smart phones and tablets with wireless connectivity allow householders to perform a wider range of activities in a wider range of locations throughout the home, such as social networking while the television is active. We suggest that policies which consider how to increase the energy efficiency of ICT devices alone are unlikely to be successful since effective strategies need to address how the drivers which have developed around the use of ICT can be adapted in order to conserve electricity in households. A range of policy solutions are discussed, including feedback, public information campaigns, environmental education, energy labelling, bans of, or taxation on the least efficient products as well as the use of a TV as central hub to perform the existing functions of multiple devices.
Keywords
Household energy savings,ICT devices,TVs,Computers,Social practices
Environmental knowledge, pro-environmental behaviour and energy savings in households: An empirical study
Journal Paper Applied Energy, June 22, 2016
Abstract
In this paper we evaluate the impact of knowledge about environmental and energy issues on potential pro-environmental behaviour in households, specifically relating to behaviours, attitudes and habits towards energy use. Our results are based on an empirical survey and we find significant correlations which indicate that residents with positive environmental values and greater environmental knowledge are more likely to demonstrate energy behaviours, attitudes and habits which lead to energy saving activities in households. This is further supported through a Principal Component Analysis (PCA), which suggests that energy saving behaviour may also vary according to gender and employment status. Conversely, we find only limited evidence of statistical associations between environmental predisposition and knowledge, and ownership and frequency of use of household appliances. We argue that our results contribute to the significant body of literature supporting the role of knowledge in active engagement with energy issues. This study is timely following closely policy developments in active consumer engagement by the European Commission.
Keywords
Pro-environmental behaviour; Energy behaviour; Attitudes; Habits; Environmental predisposition; Environmental knowledge
Linking energy behaviour, attitude and habits with environmental predisposition and knowledge
Journal Paper International Journal of Sustainable Energy, April 16, 2015
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss the findings of an empirical study that compares individuals' environmental predisposition and knowledge with their energy behaviour, attitude and habits. Additionally, the study attempts to correlate education level and household income with the above variables. The statistical analysis reveals significant correlations between environmental predisposition and knowledge and elements of individuals' energy attitudes, habits and behaviour. An unanticipated outcome from the principal component analysis was that household income, and to a lesser extent gender, is associated with energy-saving habits and behaviours. On further investigation, household income was found to be correlated with knowledge of greenhouse gas emissions and the number of laptops and electric showers owned per household. The study sample comprises 68 employees of an educational institution, which was selected as the first phase of research aiming to compare energy-saving behaviour at home and in the workplace.
Keywords
Pro-environmental behaviour; Energy behaviour; Attitudes; Habits; Environmental predisposition; Environmental knowledge
A framework for targeting household energy savings through habitual behavioural change
Journal Paper International Journal of Sustainable Energy, July 16, 2014
Abstract
This paper reviews existing up-to-date literature related to individual household energy consumption. The how and why individual behaviour affects energy use are discussed, together with the principles and perspectives which have so far been considered in order to explain the habitual consuming behaviour. The research gaps, which are revealed from previous studies in terms of the limitations or assumptions on the methodology to alter individuals’ energy usage, give insights for a conceptual framework to define a comprehensive approach. The proposed framework suggests that the individual energy perception gaps are affected by psychological, habitual, structural and cultural variables in a wider-contextual, meso-societal and micro-individual spectrum. All these factors need to be considered in order for a variety of combined intervention methods, which are discussed and recommended, to introduce a more effective shift in the conventional energy-consuming behaviour, advancing insights for successful energy policies.
Keywords
Habitual energy behaviour, Household energy savings, Energy efficiency and Energy conservation
Contact & Meet Me
I would be happy to talk to you if you need assistance or advice for your research or to discuss any potential research collaborations.
- mobile: +44 (0) 7423 773175
- work: +44 (0) 7423 773175
- marypothitou@yahoo.co.uk
- m.pothitou@pgr.reading.ac.uk