Smart Home Technologies (SHT)

1. INTRODUCTION Smart home technologies are devices and systems of devices that provide digitally connected, enhanced services to homeowners by monitoring, managing, and regulating activities related to energy use, security, health and wellness, entertainment, and other facets of home life that may benefit from automation and management. Popular Smart Home Technology includes the Amazon Echo, which can be used to play music or conduct web searches simply by speaking to it; the Nest Thermostat, which allows for automated or programmable temperature control; and the Ring Security Doorbell, which monitors home entrances.

The market for smart home technology is expected to grow rapidly, and it could play a crucial role in the coming energy shift (Wilson et al. 2017). That said, Gemserv (2019) reports that an internet security firm has predicted that by 2020 there will be 20.4. billion internet-connected gadgets. The annual global market for digitally connected gadgets and services is around $2 trillion. More specific forecasts from Frost and Sullivan (2020) indicate that the market for smart and connected homes will grow rapidly, eventually reaching $262 billion by 2025 at a compound annual growth rate of 7.5%. Although home entertainment dominates the market and is expected to continue until 2025, the market for home energy management systems is expected to increase at a compound annual rate of 21.0% until 2025. (Frost and Sullivan, 2020).

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This study looks into the threats that SHTs pose to sustainability despite their many benefits. To compile this primary data, we conducted 38 organized and unstructured interviews with subject matter experts from various institutional settings across four nations and two regions. We also did a multidisciplinary analysis of the most recent smart home research and policy literature.

Results from a study undertaken by the Centre for Energy Demand Solutions informed these discussions (Japan in Asia, the United Arab Emirates in the Middle East, the United Kingdom in Europe, and the United States in North America). In light of our findings, we proposed several legislative changes that would strengthen the market for smart homes over the long run.

Our main contribution is a rebuttal to the idea that SHTs will lead to environmentally friendly and efficient dwellings by providing a historical and theoretical framework for rejecting this claim. Our mission is to broaden the understanding that cutting-edge technology is a means, not an end, toward a more equitable and environmentally sound future for all living things (Zhang and Shenjing, 2020). We propose that comprehensive and future-oriented policies are necessary to achieve sustainability and efficiency, and we draw implications for the future of SHT innovation and development.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW. 2.1. Background: Smart Home Technologies (SHTs) have gained popularity over the past decade to enhance the quality of life, improve energy efficiency, and promote sustainability. However, the growing adoption of SHTs has also raised concerns about their potential risks and dangers to sustainability. While several studies have explored the benefits of SHTs, there needs to be more research on their potential negative impacts on sustainability. This research aims to address this gap in the Literature by investigating and analyzing the potential risks and dangers of SHTs to sustainability and suggesting policy recommendations to promote sustainable SHT adoption and usage.

2.2. Research Problem:

The adoption of SHTs has raised concerns about their potential negative impacts on sustainability, including increased energy consumption, waste generation, and resource depletion. These potential risks and dangers must be adequately addressed in the Literature, and policy recommendations must be made to promote sustainable SHT adoption and usage. This study is important because it thoroughly explains the threats and dangers posed by SHTs to sustainability and proposes policy recommendations to sustainably encourage the adoption and use of SHTs. 2.3. LITERATURE REVIEW: 2.3.1. Smart home technology market: As a result of its ability to lessen carbon emissions and aid in the decarbonization of the energy sector, the market for smart home technology (SHT) has seen a surge in interest. According to Wilson et al. (2017), smart home technologies (SHTs) will play a crucial role in future energy transitions because they can help individuals save money on their utility bills by reducing their energy consumption and giving them immediate feedback on their usage. The Gemserv (2019) report adds that SHTs offer various advantages to consumers, such as better efficiency, safety, and convenience.

However, the same report also highlights the potential risks of SHTs, including privacy concerns and cyber threats. Georgiev & Schlögl (2018) also note that the SHT market's challenges include privacy and security, perceived complexity, and interoperability. These challenges may hinder the wider adoption of SHTs, and as such, efforts to address them are necessary to encourage market growth.

Even though there are problems in the SHT market, the number of devices connected to the internet is expected to grow significantly. Because of this growth, SHTs will likely continue to be very important in the energy industry and benefit consumers. So, more research and development are needed to deal with the problems that come with SHTs so that they can be used widely and for a long time.

2.3.2. MARKET GROWTH: Frost and Sullivan predict that the market for smart and connected homes will grow quickly over the next few years, reaching $262 billion by 2025 at a compound annual growth rate of 7.5%.

This growth is due to the home energy management systems market growth, which is expected to grow at 21.0% annually until 2025.

Tiwari et al. (2021) say that the future of smart home technology is bright, with many technologies that are easy to use. Nevertheless, the number of people who use smart home technology may depend on how educated the population is and how worried people are about security with the technology.

Cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT) can be used to improve smart homes. The spread of the smart home service will depend heavily on the features users want and how they use it. A person's plan to use a system is affected by how useful they think it is.

Even with these problems, the smart home market will likely be profitable, especially for people who value comfort and luxury.

2.3.3. SUSTAINABILITY CONCERNS AND USER BENEFITS: Despite the potential benefits of SHTs, concerns about their impact on sustainability exist. In a study by Zhang and Shenjing (2020), the authors argue that SHTs alone is insufficient to create greener and more energy-efficient houses. The study suggests that there is a need for policies that are more all-encompassing and forward-thinking to achieve sustainability and efficiency.

Publications devoted to smart home technology's positives explore its potential outcomes (Tiwari et al., 2021). The Literature discusses smart houses' potential and expected benefits (Sovacool et al., 2021). The positive outcomes for users and the Environment can be viewed in two-time frames: immediately and throughout a user's lifetime. People's attitudes and motivations concerning using smart home technology are the focus of this research area.

2.3.3.1. Health-related benefits.

SHT has been identified as having the potential to support the health and well-being of individuals with chronic conditions and the elderly inside and outside the home (Singh et al., 2018). Such technology has been found to provide health-related benefits through operational efficiency, monitoring and management, and consultancy services (Bennett et al., 2017).

Specifically, the operational functions of smart home technology have been linked to improvements in users' comfort, accessibility, and safety, resulting in higher-quality healthcare (Bennett et al., 2017).

In addition, SHT can support monitoring and disease management, particularly among elderly populations who may require close monitoring of their cognitive state and health status (Singh et

al., 2018; Bennett et al., 2017). This technology can detect life-threatening changes early, enabling healthcare professionals to provide remote medical care when necessary (Bennett et al., 2017).

The use of SHT has shown promise in supporting the health and well-being of vulnerable populations. However, further study is required to understand better how to promote its uptake and use effectively. While some studies have reported positive attitudes toward using smart home technology for health-related purposes, others have found that older users are skeptical about its potential benefits (Bennett et al., 2017; Tiwari et al., 2021). However, research suggests that factors such as geographical location and level of technological awareness may moderate opinions on smart home assistive technology worldwide (Tiwari et al., 2021).

2.3.3.2. Environmental benefits.

Concerns about global warming, change in climate, and rising energy prices have contributed to the rapid rise in popularity of SHT to decrease and monitor energy usage in domestic settings (Hamdan, 2021; Ringel et al., 2019; Marikyan et al., 2019). Reducing energy use and rising electricity demands are attainable with energy-efficient gadgets and cutting-edge technological innovations (Marikyan et al., 2019). To this end, Technological Forecasting & Social Change has been implemented; this allows for the tracking of energy usage data, the modification of consumption habits via remote and direct control, the management of services with an eye toward efficiency and optimization, and the provision of advisory services (Marikyan et al., 2019).

SHT can significantly impact energy intake, carbon emissions, and the transition from conventional to renewable electricity generation on a national scale (Marikyan et al., 2019). The shift toward smart electricity and demand management can be hastened by installing renewable systems in smart homes (Ford et al., 2017). Geothermal, Wind, biomass, and solar energy have all been investigated for potential inclusion in smart home energy systems (Ford et al., 2017).

The impact of SHT on environmental sustainability is still up for debate, but many recent studies have centered on the user experience, identifying both the actual and potential advantages of the technology (Marikyan et al., 2019; Ford et al., 2017). Research comparing urban and rural residents indicated that people in urban regions were more positive about the environmental benefits of SHT (Wilson et al., 2017; Marikyan et al., 2019). Those who live in metropolitan regions place a higher value on economic benefits, while those who live in rural areas place a

greater value on environmental sustainability (Marikyan et al., 2019). Several variables, such as living situation, access to services, and social interaction, may account for consumer preferences, perspectives, and ethics (Ford et al., 2017; Wilson et al., 2017).

By lowering energy use and easing the transition to renewable energy sources, smart home technology has shown promise for enhancing environmental sustainability. Nevertheless, the approval and efficiency of SHT may be impacted by users' viewpoints and attitudes, which vary depending on region and other factors. More study is required to fully understand these variables and encourage the widespread use of smart home technologies for ecological reasons.

2.3.3.3. Financial benefit.

In addition to helping the Environment and personal health, smart homes also save money. The instant benefit of managing energy use well is lower electricity costs, but the long-term benefit of using technologies that save energy is protecting the Environment. There are two ways to get money from the gains. Secondly, by regularly monitoring energy use, smart electric devices and meters raise consumption awareness (Wilson et al., 2017). Second, suppliers may compare rates since energy use is public knowledge (Marikyan D. et al., 2019). Perceived financial benefits have been the subject of much research as a separate set of factors that affect why and how people want to switch from traditional to smart home equipment. Popular belief holds that using a smart home will increase one's wealth, but consumer research has yet to validate this. For example, customers do not see financial gains as an incentive to adopt because of factors including perceived maintenance expenses and relatively minimal savings (Tiwari et al., 2021; Sovacool et al., 2021). Another empirical study examining the perceived benefits and drawbacks of these kinds of homes found that people are eager to use smart home technology because it could help them save energy costs. People do not want to use smart home technologies because they think investing in them does not give them the return on investment (ROI) they want (Wilson et al., 2017: Reisinger, M.R et al., 2022). When looking at the perceived financial benefits of smart houses, it is also important to consider where the technology is used and how important other factors are (Park et al., 2017). A user's location may influence their opinion of the value of a service because of a correlation between location and socioeconomic position.

Users in countries with a more utilitarian mindset and those living in rural areas may be more receptive to the technology's potential to reduce expenses (Park et al., 2017). Money may be the most important advantage or secondary to other considerations (Park et al., 2017: Reisinger, M.R

et al., 2022). Sometimes the practicality and accessibility of technology outweigh its potential financial benefits. These aspects pertain to the smart home technology's interoperability with various other home parts, which enhances the service's dependability and the homeowner's overall satisfaction (Park et al., 2017). Health benefits are not the only ones that could accrue from homecare's rise in popularity; patients could also see financial savings as a result of the trend (Wilson et al., 2017). Despite growing inquiries and heated discussions, research has consistently found that the cost-effectiveness of home care varies widely depending on the patient's health status and the range of services they require (Reisinger, M.R et al., 2022; Marikyan, D. et al., 2019). This result hints that financial gain is a context-dependent element that could influence the choice to implement the technology.

2.3.3.4. Psychological well-being and social inclusion.

One way smart homes help their inhabitants connect with others and overcome feelings of isolation is through enhanced opportunities for social interaction (Marikyan, D. et al., 2019).

Services centered around providing aid and support can help bring this about (Marikyan D. et al., 2019; Merikyan, D et al., 2019). The widespread acceptance of smart home equipment influences people's perceptions of their abilities to learn and adapt. As a form of psychosocial influence, self-perception can be considered an individual's appraisal of how they measure up in the world concerning their beliefs, traditions, and ideals (Ferraris D. et al., 2021). In most cases, however, research on perceived benefits does not support this assertion. If people are worried about being labeled as weak or different because they need assistive technology, they may be reluctant to adopt such tools (Reisinger, M.R et al., 2022). Smart home technology may also have unintended consequences for their social lives by displacing in-person interactions (Marikyan D. et al., 2019). Technology may boost the support-independence of the aged and the fragile, but it may also raise their risk of social and physical isolation (Wilson et al., 2017). The role of technology in meeting physical or operational independence is two-sided. There is a danger, as stated, that only users with higher incomes will reap the benefits of smart home technology and feel accepted into the elite club of those who can afford such high-end gadgets.

This technology has the potential to polarize Society by widening the gap between those who benefit from it and those on the economic margins (Marikyan D. et al., 2019). While the ordinary family may never be able to afford a "smart home," the rapidly advancing nature of technology

and the increasing attention of technology firms to the mass market could make this a reality in the not-too-distant future (Khedekar et al., 2017; Wilson et al., 2017).

2.3.4. PRIVACY, SAFETY, AND SECURITY CONCERNS: When it comes to SHTs, privacy, and security are also major concerns. Acquisti et al. (2017) conducted a study detailing the dangers that can result from SHTs collecting and using individual data. They claim that legislators and manufacturers should address the hazards posed by data collection by SHTs because of the potential for serious privacy violations.

Smart homes' ability to capture and retain enormous volumes of personal data raises ethical concerns about privacy, safety, and security (Tiwari et al., 2021; Coboi, A.E. et al., 2021).

Patients in many countries need to be extensively educated about the benefits of using smart home devices in medical treatment before they will agree to it (Tiwari et al., 2021; Wilson et al., 2017), indicating that people are understandably concerned about having their data collected (Marikyan D. et al., 2019; Coboi A.E. et al., 2021). Several studies have demonstrated that people's desire for privacy prevents them from using smart homes (Sovacool et al., 2021). Users' privacy is at risk from the accidental disclosure of sensitive information and the inability to control the invasiveness of automation systems in daily life (Wilson et al., 2017). Users are divided on whether or not this threatens their privacy and security. Some individuals might enjoy the perks of the technology without being overly concerned about security and privacy concerns (Tiwari et al., 2021; Marikyan, D. et al., 2019). Others saw that letting strangers inside one's home or having access to one's remote controls could be dangerous (Coboi, A.E. et al., 2021). In order to prevent fraudulent intrusion and improper use of the technology, it is proposed to create and implement complicated safety standards (Wilson et al., 2017: Reisinger, M.R et al., 2022).

However, legal considerations prevent the widespread implementation of smart home devices, especially in the healthcare and social care industries (Coboi, A.E. et al., 2021). Since it is still a developing industry, smart home technology, which incorporates the concept of e-health, requires more standardized regulatory requirements for its implementation. If governments are serious about ensuring the widespread adoption of new technology, they must change their restrictions on such practices. In the absence of any current regulations, lawmakers may be forced to adopt new rules to address disputes between smart home service providers and their consumers regarding the quality of the services provided or the quality of the goods purchased (Tiwari et al., 2021: Reisinger, M.R et al., 2022; Coboi, A.E., et al., 2021).

Policymakers must also handle privacy laws to ensure user information is safe and prevent violating privacy laws. Especially in the medical field, it is crucial to establish where the lines are between privacy invasion and data protection. When users of smart homes choose to share their medical data with a hospital or particular doctor, the privacy assumption shifts (Wilson et al., 2017; Coboi, A.E. et al., 2021).

2.3.5. POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS: Given the advantages and disadvantages of SHTs, policymakers should move quickly to regulate them. The authors of a report by the International Energy Agency (2020) stress the importance of policies that promote the use of SHTs and guarantee their long-term viability. The research recommends prioritizing energy efficiency, interoperability, and cybersecurity in the policy.

It is worth noting that both Tiwari et al. (2021) and Wilson et al. (2017) included policy suggestions for IoT devices in their articles. First, they said that to guarantee the acceptance of SHT in the future housing and living scenario, it is crucial to consider the user's expectations, such as what kind of technology they want in their smart homes (Marikyan, D. et al., 2019).

Second, teaching people about smart homes and how they may profit from them is important because education plays a big part in spreading new technologies (Wilson et al., 2017). Last, people must be reassured that their smart home is safe by addressing security issues (Coboi A.E. et al., 2021). When it comes to purchasing and using smart homes, the corporation needs to earn the trust of its customers. Last, prospective customers need access to the right features and capabilities of smart home services to encourage adoption. The likelihood of adopting a system is directly related to its features' appeal to potential users (Marikyan D. et al., 2019; Wilson et al., 2017). Recommendations for smart home policy center on easing use, reducing security risks, and growing public awareness of the technology's benefits.

The gap in the Literature: The existing Literature has highlighted the potential negative impacts of SHTs on sustainability, including increased energy consumption, waste generation, and resource depletion. However, there is a gap in research on the effectiveness of policies and regulations in promoting sustainable SHT adoption and usage (Georgiev & Schlögl, 2018). Additionally, despite the potential benefits of SHTs, significant challenges still need to be addressed before they can be fully integrated into people's daily lives. These challenges include concerns about privacy and security, complex system connectivity, high device prices, and a lack of explicit benefits from SHTs (Tiwari et al., 2021).

Chang and Nam (2022) also identified a gap in the Literature concerning verifying factors affecting SHT adoption and usage intention globally. Their study was limited to participants in the Republic of Korea, which has a relatively high prevalence of internet infrastructure.

Moreover, the study did not adequately represent elderly members, a crucial demographic for improving the quality of life through SHTs. Thus, future research is necessary to generalize the results and examine differences in perception among age groups and tech-savviness levels.

In conclusion, while the potential negative impacts of SHTs on sustainability have been acknowledged, there needs to be more research on the effectiveness of policies and regulations in promoting sustainable SHT adoption and usage. Moreover, the challenges related to privacy and security, complex system connectivity, high device prices, and a lack of explicit benefits from SHTs still need to be addressed to increase user trust and adoption (Georgiev & Schlögl, 2018; Tiwari et al., 2021). Additionally, future research needs to address gaps in the Literature by examining SHT adoption and usage intention on a global scale and across different age groups and tech-savviness levels, including elderly members (Chang & Nam, 2022).

METHODOLOGY. This study mixes primary and secondary sources in its research technique. The study's primary data came from 38 structured and unstructured interviews with professionals in five types of institutions located in four geographical areas. The specialists were chosen because they know about energy, the Environment, sustainability, and solid-state heat transfer. Research undertaken at the Centre for Energy Demand Solutions informed the questions asked in the interviews.

We conducted extensive secondary research by reviewing and analyzing the current smart home academic and policy Literature. The literature review covered various topics, from engineering and sustainability to energy and the Environment. A qualitative case study method was used for this investigation. Policy suggestions for promoting sustainable SHT adoption and usage were developed from the case study's findings, which aimed to research and analyze the potential risks and dangers of SHTs on sustainability.

Experts were interviewed via semi-structured interviews, and the relevant academic and policy literature was reviewed extensively to gather data. We used a theme analysis method to record, transcribe, and evaluate the interviews. Triangulation of the data from the interviews and the literature analysis helped to confirm the findings and assure the research's credibility and validity.

The study's findings and conclusions should be trusted because they were based on a welldesigned and thoroughly-executed research project. A deductive method was used to analyze the data, with the study questions as the framework. The results were presented as a thematic analysis, and suggestions for policy were made to help spread the use of SHT in the long term.

FINDINGS. Around 150 separate statements were generated as a result of the interviews, which were then placed into seven categories. They looked into how users perceived smart homes and were able to link their findings to concepts that are prevalent in the research on how people adopt new technologies.

Figure 1 shows the interview questions.

CATEGORY 1: SMART HOME UNDERSTANDING. The purpose of the first two questions of the interview was to give respondents a chance to describe their mental picture of a smart house and their thoughts on what makes it so. Consistent with prior definitions, they characterized the smart home as a network of electronic gadgets designed to simplify the lives of its owners through remote monitoring and management (Nikou, S., 2019). Simply put, they expected beneficial results from using smart home technology. A

smart home is a home that uses computing and information technology to "anticipate and respond to the needs of the occupants, working to promote their comfort, convenience, security, and entertainment through the management of technology within the home and connections to the world beyond" (Reisinger, M.R et al., 2022). They included the phenomenon's technology component, its services and functions, and the types of user demands that smart homes attempt to address in their description. A similar approach was taken by Tiwari et al. (2021) definition, which described smart houses as "an application based on multiple technologies which AI as well and it is of the newest-to-newest technologies are incorporated in smart homes in terms of greater comfort levels, best lighting." The two definitions are conceptually similar but differ in the technology's services, and the types of user need it attempts to serve. In general, most academics define smart homes in terms of technology components. A "smart home" is defined as "a residence outfitted with a high-tech network, linking sensors and domestic equipment, appliances, and features that can be remotely monitored, accessed, or controlled, and provide services that respond to the demands of its residents" (Balta-Ozkan et al., 2013a). In a similar vein, De Silva et al. (2012) avoided elaborating on the technical aspects of "smart homes."

However, they nevertheless used a similar methodology. A "home-like environment" with "ambient intelligence and automatic control" that "responds to the behavior of residents and provides them with numerous facilities," as described by the authors. Both Coboi, A.E. et al.

(2021) and Wilson et al. (2017) definitions center on the capacity to meet the demands of locals with the use of automated systems. Nikou, S. (2019) echoed this technological point of view when he defined it as a system featuring four types of intelligence: intelligent appliances, intelligent controls, intelligent management, and intelligent sensors. The home becomes a place to live when the four tiers of intelligence are coordinated and integrated.

The study's subjects also demonstrated a pragmatic perspective on technology by adopting smart devices to enhance their quality of life. Nevertheless, for others of the study's participants, the idea of a "smart house" centered on a more pragmatic one: it is only a set of gadgets that can potentially reduce energy consumption and benefit the planet. Finally, we noticed that participants had a holistic concept of smart home technology, with many seeing it as a continuation of the relationship between humans and machines.

CATEGORY 2: POTENTIAL RISKS AND DANGERS OF SHTS ON SUSTAINABILITY. Questions three, nine, and eleven were designed to let the participants explain some of the potential risk factors of SHT. The potential risks and dangers of smart home technology on sustainability that were identified include: SHTs can be used to help manage energy consumption, but they can also be used to promote energy consumption by providing new services or enhancing ones that are already available.

Because of this, the effect of SHTs on the amount of energy required is ultimately determined by how they are constructed and used (Wilson et al., 2017; Mulcahy, R. et al., 2019).

Those who are early adopters of technology and those considering it voice concerns that they may lose some of their freedom and independence in the home due to increased control exerted by the technology. These broader sociotechnical threats are regarded more highly than the privacy and data security issues that have slowed the rollouts of smart meters in the EU; this is because these larger sociotechnical dangers have the potential to affect more people. Two issues arise from adopting smart meters (Wilson et al., 2017).

The increased production and disposal of SHT devices could help the Environment if managed properly (Wilson et al., 2017).

As with any electronic device, SHTs contribute to the growing problem of electronic waste, which can have negative environmental and health impacts (Wilson et al., 2017).

CATEGORY 3: IMPACTS OF SHTS ON ENERGY CONSUMPTION, WASTE MANAGEMENT, AND RESOURCE DEPLETION. Two interviewees mentioned that improving a home's energy efficiency was a major in adopting smart technology. However, one of them pointed out instantly that the anticipated savings were rather minimal, consistent with prior research. Even though energy efficiency is often touted, Wilson et al. (2017) found that three factors prevented it from being realized. The complexity of most smart home systems means that their full potential is rarely utilized. Second, each home is custom-made to suit the individual tastes of its inhabitants. Building features, appliance types and usage, and layout all play a role. Third, considerable energy savings may result from only the most careful balancing of the abovementioned factors. However, most people need to learn more to develop a good strategy that links the physical conditions to their unique way of life, so they do not do as well as they could in optimizing their energy sustainability.

The way that SHTs are designed and implemented can have a significant effect on the amount of energy that they consume. At the same time, they make it possible to regulate energy and make it easier for people to consume it by introducing new services or enhancing existing ones.

Prospective users and early adopters have expressed concern about giving up their autonomy and independence in the house in exchange for more control by technological means. The larger sociotechnical hazards posed by SHTs are believed to be higher than concerns regarding privacy and data security (Wilson et al., 2017and; Mulcahy R. et al., 2019).

CATEGORY 4: EXISTING POLICIES AND REGULATIONS FOR SHTS AND THEIR EFFECTIVENESS IN PROMOTING SUSTAINABILITY. The interviewees suggested that a more coordinated and systemic approach is needed to address the challenges of sustainability; this is in line with the research of Sovacool et al. (2021), which recommends that policymakers around the world consider the policies and implementation best practices of the European Union and tailor them to their respective socio-political contexts. The front that a systems view is required to attain SHT sustainability targets, which may involve promoting sustainability across the larger energy system rather than only focusing on individual households as the primary unit of analysis, as the fronted suggested.

In their article, Sovacool et al. (2021) stressed the need for government rules to influence the development and application of environmentally friendly smart home technology (SHTs). There are current policies for SHTs; however, these policies are fragmented among several distinct silos, such as smart grids, smart meters, and the Internet of Things (IoT). According to the data that was presented in this article, in order to address the issues of sustainability that are caused by SHTs, a strategy that is both more integrated and comprehensive is required.

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive is a policy enacted in the EU. This directive mandates that all newly constructed and renovated buildings must be almost zero-energy by 2020. This strategy has resulted in increased adoption of SHTs, such as energy-efficient lighting and smart thermostats, reducing the demand for energy in the building industry (Sovacool et al., 2021).

Another piece of legislation is the European Union's Eco-design Directive, which establishes minimum requirements for the energy efficiency of various items, including smart home technologies (SHTs) such as smart Televisions and refrigerators. As a result of this strategy, more energy-efficient SHTs have been developed, which can reduce the amount of energy households consume (Sovacool et al., 2021).

The Energy Star program is a voluntary labeling program in the United States that identifies and promotes energy-efficient products, including smart home technologies (SHTs) such as smart thermostats and plugs. Participants in the program are not required to have their products labeled with the Energy Star logo. Although participation in the program is voluntary, it has increased the number of users and manufacturers opting for more energy-efficient SHTs (Sovacool et al., 2021).

CATEGORY 5: POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE SHT ADOPTION AND USAGE. According to Wilson et al. (2017), policymakers can intervene in advancing the SHT market to mitigate these risks. These interventions can include implementing design and operating standards, guidelines on data and privacy, support for industry-wide consumer confidence measures, quality control, and targeted in situ research programs. All of these can be accomplished. Important precedents have been established due to the policy experiences obtained with household energy efficiency technology and the statewide rollouts of smart meters.

In addition, the SHT industry should increase its efforts to help lower perceived risks by ensuring

that SHTs are manageable, dependable, and easy to use to generate consumer confidence; this would be done to lessen perceived hazards. Because of this, the industry will be able to move closer to achieving its goal of lowering perceived risks (Mulcahy R. et al., 2019). In the newly emerging market for SHT, confidence-building methods are of utmost importance to ensure that the increasingly good experiences of early adopters are disseminated across social networks to generate a positive feedback loop that will reinforce market demand; this is because the market for SHT products is still in its infancy.

CATEGORY 6: TRUST AND PERCEIVED USEFULNESS. Five of our interviewees brought up trust, widely acknowledged as an influential factor in shaping buyer-seller transactions (Nikou, S., 2019). In particular, they kept circling back to the distinction between device and provider trust in SHT. It is vital to note that all the people interviewed used the flagship products of well-established smart home companies but were still generally pleased with their smart devices. Interview participants revealed that "companies know more about you than yourself" (P06). People have faith in the company that makes the device, as P10 put it. Even so, their users appear to have a level of trust in smart home gadgets. For instance, P03 has voiced his complete approval of the tool he is employing. However, confidence in service providers and technological advancements is seen as a double-edged sword. Users may have come to terms with the fact that smart devices must collect and store personally identifiable information before performing as advertised. However, the people we interviewed were wary of having their data shared with app creators. As a result, some have voiced a desire for reassurance that data is not being used for malicious purposes.

Most people believe that "smart home" technology simplifies and streamlines domestic tasks for its users (Shuhaiber, A. and Mashal, I., 2019). More than a quarter of all statements (49) can be interpreted practically. Terms like "automation," "control," and "connectivity" are frequently used to describe this concept. Some interviewees highlighted the need to automate processes associated with routine morning activities (P01, P03, P04, and P06). It is beneficial to do so for several reasons, including the prospect of making better use of one's time and the utility of doing so. To phrase it in another way, what P09 meant to say was that "... time is one of the major commodities since time is money." Those who were interviewed had a strong interest in the possibility of controlling energy consumption and lighting, as evidenced by statements such as "I would remotely regulate the heating and cooling within my home" (P04) and "I would like a

system that controls the heating" (P03) (P09). From their point of view, the technology behind smart homes needs to be flexible enough to accommodate the lifestyles of those who use them (Mulcahy R. et al., 2019). As P02 stated, the system's objective is "to be clever, which means to regulate itself from a certain point," and this goal illustrates this concept. These statements support the idea that people are willing to "give up" some autonomy over their home electronics in exchange for greater convenience. It is worth noting that this calls for inter-appliance communication, raising the specter of interoperability issues (Shuhaiber, A. and Mashal, I., 2019).

CATEGORY 7: EFFORT AND PERFORMANCE EXPENSE. According to Georgiev, A., and Schlögl, S. (2018), Effort Expectancy characterizes the user's estimation of the effort needed to use the system. In this sense, the effort can encompass physical exertion and monetary and cognitive investment. According to the "Unified Theory of Adoption and Usage of Technology," this characteristic is just one of several that have a role in shaping people's decisions about what and how they use technology. Given its scarcity, its use must be prioritized (Marikyan D. et al., 2019; Shuhaiber, A. and Mashal, I., 2019). Our participants, unsurprisingly, stressed the need for a straightforward installation procedure for the mass uptake of smart homes.

While most people expect a trouble-free upgrade when adding a bit of "smartness" to their living space, they realize that system deployment may continue to provide some difficulties for the foreseeable future. In P09, it is stated that "definitely it will take much effort, particularly because today you cannot buy something like a software package that controls everything," while in P08, it is stated that "major financial resources and ability" are required to set up a smart home. P03 agrees that setting up a fully working, intelligent home would be difficult. The complexity of smart devices and the methods used to implement them is cited as one of the key challenges to the technology's adoption (Georgiev, A., and Schlögl, S., 2018) in the Literature (Coboi, A.E. et al., 2021; Marikyan, D. et al., 2019). Only six interview responses made any mention of the Performance Expectancy of the technology at all. The degree to which the technology meets consumers' expectations is a significant factor in determining whether or not the technology will be adopted, as stated by Georgiev, A., Schlögl, S. (2018) and Shuhaiber, A. and Mashal, I. (2019). When questioned about possible system failures in one or more components, our respondents connected Performance Expectancy and the possibility of a fully functional smart home configuration becoming unusable. P08 remarked, "Having more technology means that you have more chances or sites of failure," P02 voiced concern about the probability of problems in the central control unit. Thus, these individuals are worried that the prevalence of issues will grow as more smart devices are implemented.

SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS.

1. Potential Risks and Dangers of SHTs on Sustainability: The study identified several potential risks and dangers of SHTs on sustainability, including: 

Increased energy consumption due to the proliferation of SHTs and associated devices and systems.

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SHTs can potentially increase waste generation and resource depletion by using electronic devices and systems.

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The potential for privacy and security risks is due to the increased connectivity and data sharing associated with SHTs.

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The potential for negative impacts on social and economic sustainability is due to increased inequality in access to and use of SHTs. 2. Impacts of SHTs on Energy Consumption, Waste Management, and Resource Depletion: The study found that SHTs have the potential to both increase and decrease energy consumption, waste generation, and resource depletion. For example, SHTs can help reduce energy consumption through automated energy management systems, but they can also increase energy consumption through the proliferation of devices and systems. Similarly, SHTs can help improve waste management through automated systems, but they can also increase waste generation through the increased use of electronic devices and systems.

3. Existing Policies and Regulations for SHTs and their Effectiveness in Promoting Sustainability: The study found that there currently needs to be more policies and regulations specifically targeting SHTs and their potential impacts on sustainability. However, existing policies and regulations for energy efficiency, waste management, and resource depletion can indirectly impact SHTs. The study found that the effectiveness of these policies and regulations in promoting sustainability depends on their implementation and enforcement.

4. Policy Recommendations for Promoting Sustainable SHT Adoption and Usage: The study developed several policy recommendations for promoting sustainable SHT adoption and usage, including:

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Developing comprehensive policies and regulations that target SHTs and their potential impacts on sustainability.

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Encouraging the development and use of open standards for SHTs to improve interoperability and reduce e-waste.

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Promoting consumer awareness and education on the potential risks and benefits of SHTs.

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Encouraging the development and use of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing processes for SHTs. CONCLUSION. This research aimed to investigate the potential dangers of Smart Home Technology (SHT) for sustainability and, based on the findings, make policy recommendations to improve its long-term viability. The study collected primary data from interviews with experts from various institutions across different countries and comprehensively evaluated academic and policy Literature on SHT. The research divided the interview responses into seven categories, each corresponding to a different concept found in previous studies on technology acceptability. The findings showed that participants associated SHT with positive outcomes, describing it as an interconnected system of devices that makes their lives easier. The research challenged the notion that SHT alone would lead to greener and more energy-efficient homes and suggested more inclusive and forward-thinking policies to triumph in sustainability and efficiency.

Overall, this research contributes to the current discourse on the growth and impact of SHT. The findings highlight the importance of considering the potential negative impacts of SHT on sustainability and the need for well-designed policies to address these issues. The study also points out the limitations of SHT in achieving sustainability and the importance of looking beyond technological innovation to find solutions to sustainability challenges.

The research has some limitations, including the small sample size and the potential for bias in participant selection. Future research can build on these findings by exploring the potential impacts of SHT on other aspects of sustainability, such as social and economic sustainability.

Additionally, further research can investigate the efficacy of the policy recommendations proposed in this study. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the role of SHT in sustainability and highlights the need for more comprehensive policies and solutions to address the challenges posed by this emerging technology.

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