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Behavioral intervention to conserve energy in the workplace

Author

Listed:
  • Valeria Fanghella

    (Grenoble Ecole de Management)

  • Giovanna d'Adda

    (University of Milan)

  • Massimo Tavoni

    (Politecnico di Milano)

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of a large-scale behavioral intervention to conserve energy in the workplace, consisting of an energy-saving competition among a bank's branches. More than 500 branches were involved for a period of one year. Using a difference-in-difference estimation, we find that the competition significantly reduces monthly electricity consumption outside the work schedule (by 7 percent), but that overall energy use does not change significantly (reduction of 2.5 percent). Branch characteristics do not lead to differentiated program response, in stark contrast with the residential sector. In the same setting, we also evaluate a technological intervention automating building energy management. The retrofit leads to significant energy savings (of 18 percent), also concentrated outside the main work schedule. Our results stress the importance of considering contextual characteristics when implementing behavioral programs and show potential overlaps with smart technology investments.

Suggested Citation

  • Valeria Fanghella & Giovanna d'Adda & Massimo Tavoni, 2020. "Behavioral intervention to conserve energy in the workplace," Working Papers 2020.21, FAERE - French Association of Environmental and Resource Economists.
    • Handle: RePEc:fae:wpaper:2020.21
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    File URL: http://faere.fr/pub/WorkingPapers/Fanghella_Dadda_Tavoni_FAERE_WP2020.21.pdf
    File Function: First version, 2020
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Behavioral intervention; Energy conservation; Energy efficiency; Workplace; Difference-in-difference;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • H32 - Public Economics - - Fiscal Policies and Behavior of Economic Agents - - - Firm
    • Q41 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Demand and Supply; Prices

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