Closing the loop between theory, policy and practice: IEA DSM Task 24 on behaviour change

Panel: 1. Foundations of future energy policy

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Sea Rotmann, SEA - Sustainable Energy Advice, New Zealand
Ruth Mourik, DuneWorks B.V., The Netherlands

Abstract

The International Energy Agency’s Demand Side Management (DSM) Implementing Agreement has initiated work to focus on the complexities of human energy-using (behavioural) practices, as they often pose the biggest barriers to successful uptake of DSM policies and programmes. The target audience for this Task is not the energy end user, but the end user of behaviour change research - the so-called intermediaries who design DSM policies, programmes and pilots. Our aim is to help improve policymaking and programme design and evaluation by intermediaries who have the goal of changing end user behavioural practices. This is done by, on the one hand, offering insights into how to turn good theory into practice and, on the other hand, providing researchers better insight into how to frame and undertake research that is being seen as useful by intermediaries. To this end, experts from all ‘behaviour change sectors’ (policy, industry, technology developers, local government, community groups, NGOs, tradespeople, consultants, researchers and research funders) in the participating (and other interested) countries will collaborate on this Task. We believe that it is imperative to close the knowledge gap between these various actors and take a more systemic and collaborative approach to DSM policy and programme design and implementation.