Characterising domestic energy related behaviours

Abstract

This paper sets out the structure and background to a ‘four-dimensional’ framework for assisting policymakers and practitioners in the understanding of behavioural challenges in order to promote the design of more effective policies and interventions for stimulating ‘behaviour change’. The framework has been based on empirical understandings gained from the authors’ work across a range of policy domains (in particular transport, domestic energy use, ‘pro-environmental’ behaviours and public health). The use of the framework is demonstrated in this paper through its application to four domestic energy related behaviours: upgrading kitchens, replacing boilers, taking shorter showers and delaying the start of the heating season.