Motivating domestic energy conservation through comparative, community-based feedback in mobile and social media

Exploring innovative community and household energy feedback approaches

“…Whilst kWh is more accepted, it is not entirely understood (Wood & Newborough, 2007). Petkov et al (2011) found that in all cases interviewees considered temporal selfcomparison (a history feature) essential Website/mobile application energy trackers Similar to the energy display monitor but must login to a website to view the information -a higher level of analytical potential (Eisenbach Consulting, 2016;Froehlich, 2009) Peer educators Point of contact to assist with specific individual questions on how to reduce (Carrico & Riemer, 2011) Personalized energy report/advice Personalized advice regarding the energy and financial consequences of energy consumption behaviour (Midden, Meter, Weenig, & Zieverink, 1983;Rowe, 2014) Thermal imaging Thermal imaging has been used to evaluate the performance of the building fabric during construction to avoid performance issues and manage construction quality (Taylor, Counsell, & Gill, 2013) and to promote energy-conservation behaviours (Goodhew, Pahl, Auburn, & Goodhew, 2015) Comparative Social sharing online (detailed or generalized)…”

“…Petkov et al (2011) found that a majority of interviewees preferred the integration of energy data sharing with already used social media formats and that communication channels between comparing/competing parties is important for sharing information directly within a feedback tool The Energy Saving Trust reported that, based on a survey, 45% of households want to compare energy consumption with similar households nearby (Rowe, 2014) Community Group e-mail list General information on energy saving and information on how a group (e.g. an office) is performing as a whole (Carrico & Riemer, 2011).…”

“…Comparative feedback allows individual feedback information to be shared in a community, effectively blending the two levels. As an example, using social media to share energy data with friends or neighbours to inspire competition to reduce individual consumption (Petkov, Köbler, Foth, & Krcmar, 2011). The method of delivery of feedback can also provide a different learning environment for the recipient.…”

Perceptions and behaviour towards climate change and energy savings: the role of social media

“…Initiatives such as [30], [31], [32] and [33] are also based on social network to foster energy savings. EnergyWiz [31] explored social comparison one-on-one and ranking to motivate savings.…”

“…EnergyWiz [31] explored social comparison one-on-one and ranking to motivate savings. This project also relies on environmental psychology to design tailored eco-feedback considering different values (altruistic, egoistic, and biospheric) related to environmental concerns [34].…”