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Intrinsic Changes: Energy Saving Behaviour Among Resident University Students

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 June 2015

Rosemary Black*
Affiliation:
Charles Sturt University
Penny Davidson
Affiliation:
Charles Sturt University
Karen Retra
Affiliation:
Charles Sturt University
*
Charles Sturt University, PO Box 789, Albury, NSW 2640, Australia. Email: [email protected]

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study that explored the effectiveness of three intervention strategies in facilitating energy saving behaviour among resident undergraduate university students. In contrast to a dominant practice of motivating with rewards or competition this study sought to appeal to students' intrinsic motivations. An experimental design was used with two intervention groups and a control group. The interventions were the provision of real-time feedback provided by an inhouse energy consumption display unit (ecoMeter) and a targeted social marketing approach. They were evaluated using energy consumption data and self-report data from the participants via an on-line survey and focus groups. Across the three research phases the rate of reduced electricity consumption for the interventions ranged from an average of 17% to 28% less than the control group. The findings provide evidence that facilitation of intrinsically motivated behaviours can result in reduced energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Type
Feature Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010

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