Social psychological aspects of energy conservation

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · AIP Conf. Proc.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6445650

Aronson, E; Yates, S

Although some increases in the adoption of energy-efficient practices have been noted, only a small fraction of the potential savings are being realized, perhaps because human behavior is too complex for existing economic models. The rational-economic model is able to predict behavior in many situations, but it has limitations. To design effective public policy, the social, cognitive, and personal forces, which in addition to the economic realities define the situation, must be understood. This chapter examines one aspect of current energy-conservation policy, the home energy audit program mandated by the Residential Conservation Service, and attempts to show how existing social psychological research might be beneficially applied. 8 references.

• Research Organization: Univ. of California, Santa Cruz
• OSTI ID: 6445650
• Report Number(s): CONF-850414-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: AIP Conf. Proc.; (United States) Journal Volume: 135
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290200 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
291000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Conservation
AUDITS
BEHAVIOR
ENERGY AUDITS
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY POLICY
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
PSYCHOLOGY
RESIDENTIAL SECTOR
SOCIAL IMPACT