Transition to low-carbon economy

Assessing cumulative impacts of individual behavioral changes

Journal article (2018)

Authors

Leila Niamir University of Twente
T. Filatova University of Twente, University of Technology Sydney
A. Voinov University of Technology Sydney
Hans Bressers University of Twente
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Behavior change Agent-based modeling Low-carbon economy Norm Activation Theory Residential energy
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Published Date

2018

Language

English

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Abstract

Changing residential energy demand can play an essential role in transitioning to a green economy. Environmental psychology suggests that behavioral changes regarding energy use are affected by knowledge, awareness, motivation and social learning. Data on various behavioral drivers of change can explain energy use at the individual level, but it provides little information about implications for macro energy demand on regional or national levels. We address this challenge by presenting a theoretically-based and empirically-driven agent-based model to track aggregated impacts of behavioral changes among heterogeneous households. We focus on the representation of the multi-step changes in individual energy use behavior and on a quantitative assessment of their aggregated impacts on the regional level. We understand the behavioral complexity of household energy use as a dynamic process unfolding in stages, and explore the barriers for utilizing the full potential of a region for emissions reduction. We suggest a policy mix that facilitates mutual learning among consumers.