You are being invited to take part in this research project exploring how communication can influence energy-saving behaviour in residential settings.
The survey is completely anonymous. Your responses will be anonymised in all outputs, and once submitted, they can’t be traced back to you or withdrawn. You can exit at any time, but you'll need to click ‘submit’ for your answers to count.

The findings will support academic research and may help shape how Moda Living communicates with residents in future.

What is the purpose of this study?
This study forms part of a Doctoral Research Project at Leeds Beckett University. It investigates the extent to which communication—such as personalised feedback, peer influence, and educational messaging—can support household energy-saving behaviour. The study aims to provide insights into how communication can be used effectively to promote environmentally sustainable living in the home.
The questionnaire is expected to take approximately 6 minutes to complete.

Why have I been selected to participate?
You have been invited to take part because you are a resident of a Moda Living development. The research is particularly interested in understanding how people living in modern, furnished rental apartments perceive and respond to energy-saving communication.

Do I have to take part?
Participation in this study is entirely voluntary. This form provides the information needed to make an informed decision. If you choose to participate, you may withdraw from the survey at any point before submitting your responses. Once submitted, the responses cannot be removed, as they are anonymised and cannot be linked to individual participants.

What will happen if I take part?
If you agree to participate, you will be asked to review and consent to a brief set of statements. You will then be asked to complete a series of short questions related to your views on energy use, behaviour, and communication preferences.

What are the possible disadvantages of taking part?
There are no anticipated risks or significant disadvantages to taking part in this research.

What are the possible advantages of taking part?
Participation offers an opportunity to contribute to important research on sustainability and climate action. Your views will help inform how future energy interventions are designed, particularly in rental housing, and how communication can be made more effective for residents like you.

Will my data be kept confidential and anonymous?
Yes. You will not be asked to provide your name, apartment number, or any identifying details. All responses are anonymous and will not be published or stored in a way that can identify you.

How will my data be stored?
The data will be stored securely on Leeds Beckett University servers, in accordance with University policy and the Data Protection Act (2018). Only the researcher and academic supervisor will have access to the data. No personal or identifying information will be collected.
All raw data will be permanently deleted from University systems upon completion of the research doctorate.

What is the legal basis for processing personal data?
The legal basis for processing this data is Article 6(1)(e) of the UK GDPR: "processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest." Explicit consent is also obtained in accordance with Article 9(2)(a). The study complies with all data handling and privacy regulations, including participant rights to transparency, anonymity, and secure storage.

What will happen to the results of the study and could the data be used in future research?
The results will be used in a Doctoral Research Thesis at Leeds Beckett University as well as by Moda Living to improve resident communication. They may also contribute to future academic publications or public reports. All data will remain anonymous and will not be traceable to individual respondents. The anonymised data may be used in future research, but only under strict ethical guidelines.

Who is organising and funding the study?
This research is being undertaken as part of a doctoral degree at Leeds Beckett University and is funded by Moda Living. It has received full approval from Leeds Business School’s Research Ethics Committee.

Who has reviewed this study?
Leeds Beckett University has provided permission for this research study to be conducted. It has been reviewed and approved by Leeds Business School’s Research Ethics Committee.

What are my rights as a participant in this study?
In line with UK GDPR, the researcher will be transparent with how they collect and process all collected data. They will attain consent from all participants before conducting interviews and before using participant’s data. You also have the right to:

  • access a copy of the literature written which comprises your personal data
  • to have inaccurate personal data rectified
  • to object to decisions being taken by automated means
  • complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office if you are dissatisfied with the University’s processing of personal data

Confidentiality
All the information that we collect about you during the course of this research will be kept strictly confidential. You will only be referred to using an artificial identifier (Pseudonym). This information will be held securely for the duration of this research project and destroyed after the research is published.
Leeds Beckett University will act as the Data Controller for this study and is responsible for looking after your information and using it properly. Further information can be found in the University’s Privacy Notice:

This project has been ethically approved via the Leeds Beckett University’s Ethics Review Procedure, as administered by the Business School. Should you have any concerns or questions you can contact me, Lydia Eustace, by emailing l.eustace6846@student.leedsbeckett.ac.uk.