TY - JOUR

T1 - Analysis of Decision Making and Incentives in Danish Green Web Applications

AU - Scheele, Christian Elling

PY - 2013

Y1 - 2013

N2 - Traditional information campaigns aimed at incentivising the kind of behaviour change that will lead to more sustainable levels of energy consumption have been proven inefficient. Politicians and government bodies could consider using green web applications as an alternative. However, there is little research documenting how such applications actually motivate behaviour change. There is a need for a better understanding of how such applications work and whether they are effective. This paper addresses the first question by demonstrating how three Danish green web applications employ different types of incentives. Three key parameters are used to compare and analyse the different applications and the ways in which incentives are used. Three primary types of disciplinary approach are identified. The first approach uses incentives based on conventional economic gains. The second revolves around normative or behavioural gains. The third approach is based on a socio-psychological decision model in which values, attitudes and norms affect the choices we make. All three theoretical approaches aim at explaining decision-making in the context of energy consumption.

AB - Traditional information campaigns aimed at incentivising the kind of behaviour change that will lead to more sustainable levels of energy consumption have been proven inefficient. Politicians and government bodies could consider using green web applications as an alternative. However, there is little research documenting how such applications actually motivate behaviour change. There is a need for a better understanding of how such applications work and whether they are effective. This paper addresses the first question by demonstrating how three Danish green web applications employ different types of incentives. Three key parameters are used to compare and analyse the different applications and the ways in which incentives are used. Three primary types of disciplinary approach are identified. The first approach uses incentives based on conventional economic gains. The second revolves around normative or behavioural gains. The third approach is based on a socio-psychological decision model in which values, attitudes and norms affect the choices we make. All three theoretical approaches aim at explaining decision-making in the context of energy consumption.

KW - Faculty of Social Sciences

KW - Climate

KW - Green Web Applications

KW - decision making

KW - incentives

M3 - Journal article

VL - 12

SP - 17

EP - 29

JO - Journal of Transdisciplinary Environmental Studies

JF - Journal of Transdisciplinary Environmental Studies

SN - 1602-2297

IS - 1

ER -