Changing Behaviour is an action research project funded by the EU 7th Framework Programme Energy theme. The project focuses on supporting change in energy use and energy services by applying social research on technological change to practical use. Our goal is to improve the interaction between energy experts and energy users, enabling these different groups to learn to understand each other better. In this article, we will discuss the Changing Behaviour project, its focus, objectives, and achievements.

Objectives of Changing Behaviour

The Changing Behaviour project is an action research project that aims to develop, test and refine tools for improved interaction that are sensitive to context, timing and the needs of different users and stakeholders. Our focus is on the interaction between energy experts and energy users. The project’s primary objective is to identify and overcome barriers to energy efficiency by promoting changes in behavior. The project uses innovative methodologies such as co-creation, co-design and participatory methods.

How Changing Behaviour Works

Changing Behaviour is an action research project, which means that researchers and practitioners work together to develop, test and refine tools for improved interaction that are sensitive to context, timing and the needs of different users and stakeholders. The project follows a structured approach that includes five phases:

  1. Preparation: The project starts with a literature review and a stakeholder analysis. The aim is to identify stakeholders and their needs.
  2. Co-creation: The project engages stakeholders in the co-creation of tools and interventions.
  3. Testing: The project tests the tools and interventions in real-life settings.
  4. Evaluation: The project evaluates the impact of the tools and interventions.
  5. Dissemination: The project disseminates the findings and tools to a wider audience.

MECHanisms Toolkit

MECHanisms – the Make Energy Change Happen Toolkit – is one of the primary outputs of the Changing Behaviour project. The toolkit is designed to support people who want to make a change in their energy use or energy services. The toolkit is available in English, German, Greek, and Hungarian, and a Finnish translation will be published soon.

The MECHanisms toolkit contains a range of resources, including videos, case studies, and worksheets. The toolkit also includes a Questions & Answers page that offers a good way to get started in various kinds of energy change projects. Users can access the videos and pdf version of the toolkit on the MECHanisms frontpage.

Ten Recommendations for Policy Makers

Changing Behaviour has developed ten recommendations for policy makers. These recommendations show how policy makers can support energy efficiency through behavioral change. The recommendations include:

  1. Ensure Continuity: Policy makers need to ensure continuity by providing long-term support for energy efficiency initiatives.
  2. Support Intermediaries: Intermediaries can facilitate the uptake of energy efficiency measures by connecting energy experts with energy users.
  3. Combine Interventions: Policy makers should combine interventions to maximize the impact of energy efficiency initiatives.
  4. Address Technical, Economic and Social Issues: Policy makers should address technical, economic and social issues to promote energy efficiency.
  5. Engage with Stakeholders: Policy makers need to engage with stakeholders to understand their needs and priorities.
  6. Provide Incentives: Policy makers should provide incentives to encourage energy efficiency.
  7. Promote Information and Awareness: Policy makers should promote information and awareness to encourage energy efficiency.
  8. Ensure Accessibility: Policy makers need to ensure that energy efficiency measures are accessible to all.
  9. Ensure Accountability: Policy makers should ensure that energy efficiency measures are accountable and transparent.
  10. Evaluate and Monitor: Policy makers should evaluate and monitor the impact of energy efficiency measures.