What Works in Changing Energy-Using Behaviours in the Home? A Rapid Evidence Assessment

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.
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\nIn order to identify relevant studies, and avoid overlap with other previous evidence reviews, a set of search criteria was established. For inclusion, studies must:
\n• Target energy-using behaviours in the home.
\n• Consider at least one intervention.**
\n• 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).
\n• Measure a behaviour change in a real-world setting, either observed or self-reported.
\n• Make a comparison between groups (e.g. between treatment and control groups), or across different time periods.
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\nNo restrictions were applied regarding sample size; and both quantitative and qualitative studies were included.
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\nThis 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).