Understanding the adoption, use, and effects of ecological footprint calculators among Dutch citizens

Abstract Ecological footprint calculators allow users to estimate their individual environmental impact, with the goal of raising awareness and changing behaviour. Prior to this study, little was known about users’ reasons for adopting a footprint calculator, their evaluation of these tools, and the effects of calculator use. With this paper, we aim to provide a deep understanding of these factors. Based on a thematic analysis of interviews with 11 Dutch ecological footprint calculator users, centred around their experiences with existing calculators, we draw several conclusions. Calculator users can be divided into two groups with different motivations and needs: Explorers and Environmentalists. For both user groups, calculators increase awareness. In some cases, this results in behaviour change. Other effects are more difficult to measure, but no less important — for example, calculators facilitate discussions around sustainability between users and non-users. Despite the promising effects of calculators, achieving widespread adoption and stimulating continuous engagement is difficult. Based on our findings, we formulate a set of design recommendations to help calculators overcome these and other challenges.