ENERGY EFFICIENCY: AN ALTERNATIVE FOR REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND HOUSEHOLD ELECTRICITY BILLS IN TANKPE AND ZOPAH, IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ABOMEY-CALAVI, BENIN

This study addresses the issue of excessive electricity consumption by energy-intensive appliances that flood the Beninese market and pollute the environment. It aims to demonstrate how, using information from energy labels, consumers can identify and purchase energy-efficient appliances, thereby saving money and protecting the environment from greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve this objective, the study employs a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Using data collection tools such as a survey questionnaire and an interview guide, we targeted over 5.000 houses, with a sample of 60 households in each area. From the results, we can temporarily conclude that the spongy borders of Benin help the massive influx of energy-intensive second-hand equipment and new equipment smuggled from Nigeria, Europe, and Asia, the majority of which are of low energy efficiency. Despite the existence of energy performance standards in Benin, the country struggles to clean up its energy market, and many households have real difficulty reading and understanding energy labels. They are not adequately informed of the simple actions and behaviors they can adopt daily to reduce their electricity bills and improve their environment.