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Theorizing the behavioral dimension of energy consumption: energy efficiency and the value-action gap

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posted on 2023-06-09, 15:07 authored by Marilyn A Brown, Benjamin SovacoolBenjamin Sovacool
This chapter focuses on the well-documented misalignment between energy-related behaviors and the personal values of consumers, which has become a major source of angst among policymakers. Despite widespread pro-environmental or green attitudes, consumers frequently purchase non-green alternatives. The chapter identifies 50 theoretical approaches that can be divided almost equally into two types: those that emphasize beliefs, attitudes, and values; and those that also consider contextual factors and social norms. Three principles of intervention are recommended: provide credible and targeted information at points of decision; identify and address the key factors inhibiting and promoting the target behaviors in particular populations; and rigorously evaluate programs to provide credible estimates of impact and opportunities for improvement. The chapter recommends that research on the value-action gap be expanded beyond the traditional focus on individuals to include decision-making units such as households, boards of directors, commercial buying units, and government procurement groups.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Page range

201-222

Pages

600.0

Book title

Oxford handbook of energy and society

Place of publication

New York, USA

ISBN

9780190633851

Series

Oxford Handbooks

Department affiliated with

  • SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Editors

Matthias Gross, Debra J Davidson

Legacy Posted Date

2018-09-17

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2020-07-01

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2018-09-17

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