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Nudges in sustainable water management practices: Implementation, key findings and research agenda

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  • Marie-Estelle Binet

    (GAEL - Laboratoire d'Economie Appliquée de Grenoble - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - UGA - Université Grenoble Alpes - Grenoble INP - Institut polytechnique de Grenoble - Grenoble Institute of Technology - UGA - Université Grenoble Alpes, AMURE - Aménagement des Usages des Ressources et des Espaces marins et littoraux - Centre de droit et d'économie de la mer - IRD - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement - IFREMER - Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer - UBO - Université de Brest - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Maria Garcia-Valiñas

    (Universidad de Oviedo = University of Oviedo)

  • Sara Suarez-Fernandez

    (Universidad de Oviedo = University of Oviedo)

Abstract

Nudging has emerged as an alternative policy for managing water demand in the residential sector. Indeed, numerous field studies have been recently published to assess the impact of nudges on water consumption. In parallel, a substantial body of literature has developed in the field of behavioral economics, including laboratory experiments to evaluate the effects of nudge-type or boost treatments on individual behavior. However, the corresponding results are frequently overlooked in field studies. In this context, focusing on the residential water sector, the aim of this survey paper are, first, to review field experiments and address key issues in behavioral economics; and second, to present results obtained from laboratory experiments that could enhance nudging policies. We conclude by discussing additional unexplored areas and their policy implications.

Suggested Citation

  • Marie-Estelle Binet & Maria Garcia-Valiñas & Sara Suarez-Fernandez, 2024. "Nudges in sustainable water management practices: Implementation, key findings and research agenda," Post-Print halshs-04567861, HAL.
  • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-04567861
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.142282
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://shs.hal.science/halshs-04567861v1
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