7 TURNING oFF THE GAS TAP: SUSTAINABLE ENERGY …
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Methods for Intervention
The methods of intervention addressing direct energy use were the
provision of energy-efficient appliances, monitoring, information and
coaching. At a kick-off event, participating households were informed
about basic principles to reduce indirect energy use (e.g. quality rather
than quantity, services rather than products). Second, people were given
information on energy consumption and monitoring in print form. Most
importantly, households received monthly coaching services. Advice
focused on helping with the monitoring of home energy consumption,
with thinking about saving strategies, with the planning of monetary
spending, and with additional information on the energy intensity of
products and services. A second event bringing together all participating
households was organised about half-way through the project to thank
and motivate everyone, exchange tips and experiences, and to commit
people to the next period of maintaining reduced consumption levels. A
final event was held to celebrate the successful completion of the entire
undertaking.
Another method of intervention was the provision of 20% additional household income simulating economic growth. Households
were obliged to follow a number of rules with respect to spending their
increased income to ensure that their spending patterns would be following similar principles as before: no unusual donations or ‘silly’
expenditures; no more savings than prior to the project; and no big loans
and investments. Any purchase costing more than 500 Dutch guilders
(approx. €225) had to be discussed with the coach who then gave advice
based on potential energy impact.
Framing the Energy Challenge
The project focused on households who already lived in energy- efficient
homes and who were willing to commit to a two-year, longitudinal study on saving embodied (indirect) and direct energy use. As the
main goal was achieving maximum energy savings with the help of (or
despite) a 20% increase in household income, energy and energy savings
were framed as something positive for all household members, in terms
of health or time efficiency, as well as for the environment. The project
created several changes in everyday life situations regarding information,
77
Methods for Intervention
The methods of intervention addressing direct energy use were the
provision of energy-efficient appliances, monitoring, information and
coaching. At a kick-off event, participating households were informed
about basic principles to reduce indirect energy use (e.g. quality rather
than quantity, services rather than products). Second, people were given
information on energy consumption and monitoring in print form. Most
importantly, households received monthly coaching services. Advice
focused on helping with the monitoring of home energy consumption,
with thinking about saving strategies, with the planning of monetary
spending, and with additional information on the energy intensity of
products and services. A second event bringing together all participating
households was organised about half-way through the project to thank
and motivate everyone, exchange tips and experiences, and to commit
people to the next period of maintaining reduced consumption levels. A
final event was held to celebrate the successful completion of the entire
undertaking.
Another method of intervention was the provision of 20% additional household income simulating economic growth. Households
were obliged to follow a number of rules with respect to spending their
increased income to ensure that their spending patterns would be following similar principles as before: no unusual donations or ‘silly’
expenditures; no more savings than prior to the project; and no big loans
and investments. Any purchase costing more than 500 Dutch guilders
(approx. €225) had to be discussed with the coach who then gave advice
based on potential energy impact.
Framing the Energy Challenge
The project focused on households who already lived in energy- efficient
homes and who were willing to commit to a two-year, longitudinal study on saving embodied (indirect) and direct energy use. As the
main goal was achieving maximum energy savings with the help of (or
despite) a 20% increase in household income, energy and energy savings
were framed as something positive for all household members, in terms
of health or time efficiency, as well as for the environment. The project
created several changes in everyday life situations regarding information,