Behavior Change Interventions; What Works, What Doesn't and Why

Recent studies have identified significant energy efficiency savings potential resulting from behavioral interventions. These interventions are beginning to gain traction, acceptance, and credit from regulatory entities for the energy and demand savings they produce as well as their market transformation effects. Early interventions have been launched and much research is underway in this field. This paper summarizes a meta-analysis of existing research on energyrelated consumer behavior and initiatives. In this analysis, leading thinkers in the field were interviewed and current studies, initiatives, and evaluations were identified and analyzed. The research, evaluations and pilot programs reviewed were categorized by their approach, and best practices and key lessons learned were teased out and summarized. A thorough understanding of successful behavior change approaches and consumers’ energy-related behaviors and attitudes is essential not only to launching successful behavior change interventions, but also to maximizing participation in traditional energy efficiency programs. This paper provides an overview of recent research and outlines strengths and weaknesses of the approaches analyzed.