New method to motivate students to reduce energy consumption
- Date:
- September 29, 2014
- Source:
- University of Kent
- Summary:
- Energy consumption can be reduced significantly by students if they can see the amount of energy they are using in real-time and are motivated by their peers to save energy, a study has shown.
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The research found that a combination of a real-time feedback system together with a human energy delegate in eight halls of residence resulted in a reduction of 37% in energy consumption when compared to normal consumption. The savings were 1360.49 kWh, which is equivalent to a reduction of 713.71 kg of CO2 over four weeks.
In contrast, another eight halls, exposed only to the real-time feedback and a weekly email alert, resulted in saw a 3.5% reduction in energy consumption.
Student's energy-use behaviour is complex as they cannot easily identify how much electricity their appliances consume and don't have to pay for their own energy use. The research showed that energy consumption could reduce significantly if residential halls used the Persuasive Technology and Energy Delegate (IPTED) method, developed by the research team.
IPTED is a real time feedback visual system developed to motivate student's energy use awareness, combined with an appointed energy delegate who could use peer social influence to promote energy saving.
Story Source:
Materials provided by University of Kent. Original written by Katie Newton. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
Journal Reference:
- Anthony Emeakaroha, Chee Siang Ang, Yong Yan, Tim Hopthrow. Integrating persuasive technology with energy delegates for energy conservation and carbon emission reduction in a university campus. Energy, 2014; DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2014.08.027
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