What works in changing energy-using behaviours in the home? A rapid evidence assessment

Tsang, F; Bruge, P; Chatterton, Tim; Wilson, C; Diepeveen, S; Drabble, S; Guerin, B

Abstract

RAND Europe was commissioned by the Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) to undertake a Rapid Evidence Assessment* to understand “What works in changing energy-using behaviours in the home?”. The main objective was to answer this question by systematically reviewing the evidence around domestic behaviour change, with a particular focus on international evidence.

In order to identify relevant studies, and avoid overlap with other previous evidence reviews, a set of search criteria was established. For inclusion, studies must:
• Target energy-using behaviours in the home.
• Consider at least one intervention.**
• Go beyond the use of direct feedback on past energy use and pricing strategies to shift or reduce demand; and consider behaviour beyond one-off purchasing decisions (such as the installation of insulation or the purchase of energy-efficient appliances).
• Measure a behaviour change in a real-world setting, either observed or self-reported.
• Make a comparison between groups (e.g. between treatment and control groups), or across different time periods.

No restrictions were applied regarding sample size; and both quantitative and qualitative studies were included.

This report draws on 48 behaviour change programmes identified and selected through a systemic search process. These programmes involve a wide range of innovative approaches (such as the provision of Home Energy Reports that compare households’ consumption with their neighbours’) as well as more traditional approaches (including advertising campaigns).

• Report Type: Technical Report
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2012
• Deposit Date: Oct 4, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 4, 2016
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: energy, behaviour, intervention, domestic, gas, electricity
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/956059
• Publisher URL: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69797/6921-what-works-in-changing-energyusing-behaviours-in-.pdf
• Additional Information: Additional Information : Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
• Contract Date: Oct 4, 2016