ECN: Consumer behaviour
Social aspects of energy innovations - Consumer behaviour
A transition to a sustainable energy system also involves a transition to different energy consumption or consumer behaviour. As a research topic, consumer behaviour plays an important role in studies focusing on technology development and implementation, policy development and implementation, smart grids, renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy demand management, (food) consumption, lifestyles, and more. Consumer behaviour relates to many changes discussed and researched in the transport, home energy, industry, built environment, and other sectors.
We consider consumer behaviour as an important key to unlock a transition towards a more sustainable energy system because a focus on technological ‘fixes’ or regulatory frameworks often fails to acknowledge the social complexities technologies and policies meet after market introduction or implementation. It is crucial to (qualitatively) understand the context technologies and policies are meant for in order to increase their successfulness after demonstration phase or enactment. In our research we therefore aim at an improved understanding of consumers’ current behavioural patterns and practices and their reasons and motivations to maintain or change current behaviour. Insights gained concerning the context and patterns of current consumer behaviour can be used to evaluate and give advice on socially more robust technologies and policies.
Partners
In our research on consumer behaviour we collaborate with research institutes from around the world. In order to broaden our scope and insights and to root our theoretical findings in practice, we often cooperate with civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, policy makers and politicians.
More information
Relevant projects
Finalised:
- Changing Behaviour
A European research project aiming to improve the success of demand-side management projects. - THRIVE
A three-year Dutch project carrying out research into the interdependent rollout of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) and corresponding refuelling infrastructure in the commercialisation phase. ECN Policy Studies contributed research in users’ car purchasing, driving and refuelling behaviour, permitting procedures for hydrogen refuelling stations, environmental impact of and consistent infrastructure policy for hydrogen mobility. - Create Acceptance
A three-year European research project resulting in a tool for project developers for renewable energy technologies to improve stakeholder interaction and increase chances of project successby providing background knowledge and practical tools for project implementers.
Ongoing:
- IDEAL EPBD
A European project on consumer response to energy labels in buildings aiming to increase the effect of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). - Alter-Motive
A European research project aiming to derive an action plan for implementing effective least-cost policy strategies to increase the use of alternative fuels and corresponding automotive technologies.
Upcoming:
- SPREAD
A European research formulating a roadmap for stakeholders and research agenda for EC policy makers to facilitate a shift towards more sustainable lifestyles in the project focusing on consumer lifestyles. - EcoGrid
A European research project focusing on Smart Grids deployment in a demonstration project on the Danish Island of Bornholm.
For more information on any of the project listed, please contact the Policy Studies secretariat which will forward your mail to the best possible contact:
• email: bssec@ecn.nl
• phone: (+31) 224 56 44 31
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