What Can Influence Energy- and Water-Saving Behaviours? The Role of Social, Cultural, and Institutional Capital

The research contributes to the economic literature interested in the determinants of pro-environmental behaviours. Our empirical analysis examines the socio-economic, cultural, and institutional factors that can influence Italians’ propensity to reduce the waste of essential resources such as water and electricity. The willingness to engage in such practices often stems from an understanding of environmental issues and an awareness of the consequences of individual’s actions, which can shape lifestyles and consumption patterns. However, these behaviours can evolve over time due to the influence of three forms of intangible capital: cultural, social, and institutional. Commitment to improving consumers’ consumption habits can be costly for individuals involved, as it requires changing established routines and adopting more efficient technologies. Our investigation, framed at micro level, considers how these three types of capital can impact individual behaviour, particularly in terms of intentions. Social capital in the environmental context governs individuals’ actions according to the degree of social cohesion and the evaluation of others’ behaviours and judgments. It also fosters greater community and environmental engagement. Cultural capital shapes mentality and alters individuals’ spontaneous behaviour, enriching their cultural capital through cultural experience. This implies greater open-mindedness and an increasing knowledge and awareness of actions related to environmental protection. Finally, what we define as institutional capital pertains to the work of formal institutions that, on the one hand, set the «rules of the game» in the environmental field and, on the other hand, provide infrastructures that potentially facilitate sustainable practices and instil trust when their work is deemed valid and effective. The results indicated that the development of these three forms of intangible capital at individual level can aid policymakers in narrowing the gap between pro-environmental intentions and actual behaviours