Switching off? Challenges in engaging students in energy efficiency findings from an EU wide energy saving project

Panel: 9. Consumption and behaviour

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Richard Bull, Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom
Joanna Romanowicz, National Union of Students, United Kingdom
Marina Laskari, University of Athens, Greece
Neil Jennings

Abstract

The role of energy dashboards as mere feedback devices has rightly been criticised in recent years, for their ‘information deficit’ model. Similarly, the success of University energy saving competitions using energy dashboards has been well-documented demonstrating varying levels of success. This paper presents findings from an EU funded international competition which discusses insights on a scale previously unseen. SAVES is an inter-dormitory energy-saving competition that is being run in five countries and has reached over 50,000 students over the last two years specifically, 484 dormitories at 17 Universities. Building on the successful UK ‘Student Switch Off; competition run by the National Union of Students, SAVES provides engagement with students, enabling, empowering and motivating them to save energy – focusing specifically on the last stage of the ‘Awareness, Interest, Desire, Action’ framework. Smart meter data is used to run real-time energy challenges, inform students how much energy they are using, and encourage peer to peer learning and international cooperation through a virtual twinning scheme.

This paper presents findings on the effectiveness of Student Switch Off competition, as it has been implemented in Europe. A mixed methods approach (pre/post intervention surveys, focus groups and analysis of the energy metering data) was taken to evaluate the level of energy savings and quantifiable behaviour change delivered in students across participating dormitories and countries. Critical reflections on policy and practice are discussed and recommendations offered towards the role of dashboards and student led competitions and the wider role of behaviour change in energy efficiency programmes.

This display was awarded the price for most promising or innovative project or method by the jury vote.