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Energy-related behaviour and rebound when rationality, self-interest and willpower are limited

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  • Filippos Exadaktylos

    (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona)

  • Jeroen Bergh

    (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
    ICREA
    VU University Amsterdam)

Abstract

The extent to which adopting energy-efficient technologies results in energy savings depends on how such technologies are used, and how monetary savings from energy efficiency are spent. Energy rebound occurs when potential energy savings are diminished due to post-adoption behaviour. Here we review empirical studies on how six behavioural regularities affect three energy-relevant decisions and ultimately rebound: adoption of energy-saving products or practices, their intensity of use and spending of associated monetary savings. The findings suggest that behaviours that reflect limited rationality and willpower may increase rebound, while the effects of behaviours driven by bounded self-interest are less clear. We then describe how interventions associated with each of the behavioural regularities can influence rebound and thus serve to achieve higher energy savings. Future research ought to study energy-relevant decisions in a more integrated manner, with a particular focus on re-spending as this presents the greatest challenge for research and policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Filippos Exadaktylos & Jeroen Bergh, 2021. "Energy-related behaviour and rebound when rationality, self-interest and willpower are limited," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 6(12), pages 1104-1113, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natene:v:6:y:2021:i:12:d:10.1038_s41560-021-00889-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41560-021-00889-4
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    Cited by:

    1. Belaïd, Fateh & Mikayilov, Jeyhun I., 2024. "Closing the Efficiency Gap: Insights into curbing the direct rebound effect of residential electricity consumption in Saudi Arabia," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 135(C).
    2. John List & Ioannis Pragidis & Michael Price, 2024. "Toward an Understanding of the Economics of Prosumers: Evidence from a Natural Field Experiment in Energy," Natural Field Experiments 00791, The Field Experiments Website.
    3. Guzzo, D. & Walrave, B. & Videira, N. & Oliveira, I.C. & Pigosso, D.C.A., 2024. "Towards a systemic view on rebound effects: Modelling the feedback loops of rebound mechanisms," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 217(C).

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