Improving residential energy consumption at large using persuasive systems

The paper presents a persuasive web application that stimulates residential energy conservation. The users of the application received consumption feedback that is based on electricity meter readings which they entered over a period of 6 months and which accounted for specific household characteristics. In a large scale field study which we conducted between April and September of 2010, 6’921 participants used the application. From a research perspective, the system allowed us to experimentally assess the effects of different socio-psychological concepts with regard to different measures such as popularity, choice, and energy conservation. The large user base and the real-world setting contributed to the validity of the findings. The discussion presented is structured along a behavioural change framework we adapted from Ölander’s and J. Thøgersen’s motivation – ability – opportunity model. Besides presenting the quantitative results of multiple studies and providing theore...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2011
• Where: ECIS
• Authors: Tobias Graml, Claire-Michelle Loock, Michael Baeriswyl, Thorsten Staake
• Keywords: ECIS 2011, Electricity Meter, Household Characteristics, Information Technology, Residential Energy Conservation