The effects of feedback on energy conservation: A meta-analysis.

Abstract

Feedback has been studied as a strategy for promoting energy conservation for more than 30 years, with studies reporting widely varying results. Literature reviews have suggested that the effectiveness of feedback depends on both how and to whom it is provided; yet variations in both the type of feedback provided and the study methodology have made it difficult for conclusions to be drawn. The current article analyzes past theoretical and empirical research on both feedback and proenvironmental behavior to identify unresolved issues, and utilizes a meta-analysis of 42 feedback studies published between 1976 and 2010 to test a set of hypotheses about when and how feedback about energy usage is most effective. Results indicate that feedback is effective overall, r = .071, p < .001, but with significant variation in effects (r varied from -.080 to .480). Several treatment variables were found to moderate this relationship, including frequency, medium, comparison message, duration, and combination with other interventions (e.g., goal, incentive). Overall, results provide further evidence of feedback as a promising strategy to promote energy conservation and suggest areas in which future research should focus to explore how and for whom feedback is most effective.

Can Social Comparison Feedback Affect Indicators of Eco-Friendly Travel Choices? Insights from Two Online Experiments

“…This finding adds to an existing body of research where feedback employing social comparison failed to promote conservation efforts (e.g., [10]; see also [6]). One reason for why norm-based interventions may be ineffective is a lack of credibility of the conveyed information [45].…”

“…Feedback can instigate behavioural change because recipients are made aware of the consequences (positive or negative) associated with the targeted behaviour [5]. Whilst many studies attest to the effectiveness of feedback in promoting conservation behaviour, there is also evidence that effects vary as a function of how and to whom feedback is presented [6]. This paper focuses on social comparison feedback, which is when people receive feedback about their own ecological footprint relative to the ecological footprint of the average member of a reference group (cf.…”

Local Energy Advising in Sweden: Historical Development and Lessons for Future Policy-Making

“…It must be noted here that people, in general, tend to stop engaging with feedback after some time, which necessitates the development of innovative methods (to supplement energy audits) to communicate with the energy users in households [17,19,20]. A review on earlier research on energy advising shows that research indicates that a measurement-feedback-communication strategy for households is necessary if one wishes to effect a change in consumer behavior [20,21].…”

Flip sides of the same coin? A simple efficiency score versus energy bill savings information to drive consumers to choose more energy-efficient products

“…Johnson et al 2002) as choice-architectdesigned reference points have been shown to be effective in motivating consumers to make choices that improve both their and social welfare (Beshears et al 2007), particularly where consumers perceive the 'effort tax' (Sunstein 2013) to override the default as too high. At the same time, however, defaults have to be credible and salient (Sunstein 2013); otherwise, they fail to provide a suitably accurate or relevant feedback mechanism to affect consumer choice change (Karlin et al 2015). Energy savings from a more efficient specific appliance purchase, shown to the consumer in a dollar amount and predicated on salient default values (e.g.…”