For energy experts and energy intermediaries, energy efficiency is the most logical thing in the world. Unfortunately, energy end-users rarely see the world in the same way. For energy end-users, energy use is often ‘invisible' and rarely the subject of conscious decision. Thus, getting to know the end-user target group and finding the best ways to engage users are key issues for energy demand-side practitioners.

We draw on data collected in CHANGING BEHAVIOUR to explore user involvement in energy change. When analysing the ways in which our case programmes had learned about energy end-users’ needs, we found the following approaches:

1. Surveys, interviews or group meetings
2. Prior research, particular theoretical perspectives
3. Experience from prior projects and similar examples
4. User-driven project (or pilot project)
5. Familiarity and informal interaction with end-users

We found that none of these approaches provides a ‘silver bullet’ to achieve success and change end-user behaviour. The approaches to learning about the end-users reflect slightly different approaches to planning. The paper explores the pros and cons of various approaches to learning about end-users. We conclude that methods for engaging end-users should be context-sensitive and allow practitioners to go “beyond method” – and beyond the view of end-users as passive recipients of approved solutions –  to adopt a relational approach to end-users. This means understanding one’s own relation to the end-users and viewing the end-users in a broader dynamic context. Rather than examining and working with isolated end-users, there is a need for tools that address end-users in context.

Full paper: Heiskanen, E., Johnson, M. & Vadovics, E. (2009). Creating Lasting Change in Energy Use Patterns through Improved User Involvement. Paper for the conference Joint Actions on Climate Change, Aalborg, June 9-10, 2009.

 Conference paper: Creating Lasting Change in Energy Use Patterns through Improved User Involvement (164.17 kB)

The paper discusses the diversity of ways in which new energy intermediaries in old and new member states of the EU are working to promote energy efficiency. We analyse the merits of ‘nesting’ energy efficiency within a broader climate or sustainability agenda. This broader agenda provides some advantages for the promotion of energy efficiency, but also some special challenges.

Full paper: Heiskanen, E., Hodson, M., Kallaste, T., Maier, P., Marvin, S., Mourik, R., Rinne, S., Saastamoinen, M. & Vadovics, E.(2009) A rose by any other name…? New contexts and players in European energy efficiency programmes. In Act, Innovate, Deliver. Proceedings of the eceee 2009 Summer Study. Stockholm: European Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. pp. 247-257.

eceee 2009 Summer Study Paper: New contexts and players in European energy efficiency programmes

This paper describes a recently launched research European project called CHANGING BEHAVIOUR, which focuses on energy demand management programmes and the kind of information they need to change the behaviour of their target groups. More details about this project and its partners are available at the website www.energychange.info. The aim of the paper is to flesh out some of the assumptions underlying the project and to envision some of the challenges involved in implementing it.

Full paper: Heiskanen, E. & Rask, M. (2008). From Sociotechnical Theory to Sociotechnical Practice: An Action Research Project. Proceedings of the 2nd Conference of the Sustainable Consumption Research Exchange (SCORE!) Network Sustainable Consumption and Production: Framework for Action. Refereed sessions 5 : pp.  3-16.
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This article analyses different types of emerging low-carbon communities as a context for individual behavioural change. The focus is on how these communities offer solutions to problems in previous attempts to change individual behaviour. On the basis of an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of various community solutions, implications are drawn for further research and for the design and support of low-carbon communities.

Full paper: Heiskanen, E., Johnson, M., Robinson, S., Vadovics, E. & Saastamoinen, M. Low-Carbon Communities as a Context for Individual Change. Energy Policy, Articles in press, doi:10.1016/j.enpol.2009.07.002

Submitted paper: Low carbon communities as a context for behavioural change

This first research note of the CHANGING BEHAVIOUR project by Mike Hodson and Simon Marvin from SURF Centre discusses the strategic role of intermediary organisations in transforming the intensity, timing and level of energy use. Two different modes of energy intermediation are identified: 'project' and 'systemic' intermediaries. The paper also outlines the conditions for ‘active and transformative’ intermediation.

 Research_Note_1_2008 (93.18 kB)

There is a wide literature on 'tools' and methods to change energy-related behaviour. This literature is reviewed in D5: Interaction Schemes for Successful Energy Demand  Management. But how appropriate are these tools for intermediaries promoting energy efficiency and energy conservation on the local level? The CHANGING BEHAVIOUR team has rated 19 of the most widely discussed tools. Our partners have pooled their experience to give their views on "what works where and for whom". '

A summary of this excersise is available in CHANGING BEHAVIOUR Research Note 2

 Rating Expert Advice for How to Change Energy Behaviour (150.31 kB).

Timing is an activity that brings together multiple elements at a particular point in time. In the context of energy saving programmes, timing includes processes and strategies whereby the programme interacts with changes in its context. This paper presents examples of the impact of timing, and suggests a framework for conceptualising the role of timing in managing energy systems change.

Some practitioners might argue that timing is an issue of “luck” and that it cannot be influenced. Our case studies, however, show some ways in which programme managers can deal improve their timing:

1. Making a careful analysis of the history of the context into which they are introducing their programme. Are there problematic experiences that have led to distrust of certain solutions? Are there positive experiences or competencies that can benefit the programme?
2. Examining the potential links of their programme to ongoing changes in the operating environment, such as synergetic or competing programmes and developments.
3. Articulating future expectations, especially when they are crucial to the logic of the programme (e.g. rising energy prices), and creating forums for aligning the expectations of different stakeholders.
4. Anticipating future changes by keeping the programme design flexible; for example by designing a programme that can be scaled up or down depending on changing conditions.

Full paper: Rask, M., Heiskanen, E., Mourik, R. M. & Feenstra, Feenstra, C.F.J. (2008). The role of timing in the success of energy saving programmes. Paper presented at the Sustainable Consumption Conference, Corvinus University, Budapest, October 8, 2008.

Conference Paper: The role of timing in the success of energy saving programmes