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The power of children in energy conservation: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial

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  • Wang, Yuan
  • Xu, Huayu
  • Xu, Xiaoguang
  • Zhou, Yongmei

Abstract

We conducted a randomized evaluation of an innovative energy conservation program in China, engaging students in electricity usage auditing and peer competitions. The results show a 7% reduction in household electricity consumption four months post-intervention, with more pronounced effects among younger students and families with lower educational backgrounds. This reduction is primarily attributed to improvements in students’ daily consumption behaviors and knowledge of conservation strategies. Additionally, the program induced students to nudge their parents towards energy-saving practices, although these efforts did not translate into significant changes in parental behavior. If scaled nationwide, the program could potentially reduce residential electricity consumption by 2.5% and lower China’s carbon emissions by 0.27%.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Yuan & Xu, Huayu & Xu, Xiaoguang & Zhou, Yongmei, 2025. "The power of children in energy conservation: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 174(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:deveco:v:174:y:2025:i:c:s0304387824001883
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2024.103439
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Energy conservation; Children; Environmental education; Activity-based learning;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q41 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Demand and Supply; Prices
    • Q48 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Government Policy
    • I25 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Economic Development
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth

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