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The Psychological Underpinnings of the Consumer Role in Energy Demand and Carbon Abatement

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  • McNamara, S.
  • Grubb, M.

Abstract

While policy targeting carbon mitigation has become a priority, the consumer has been sidelined. Within the EU standards and a carbon is price at the industrial level dominate mitigation efforts. There is little room for consumer preferences. Labels on some products do draw a demand for efficient goods, though the messages relayed vary, and the role of embedded emissions often ignored. Once purchased, the energy requirements of various goods and their energy settings are poorly understood by many. In this paper we suggest with appropriately structured policy, providing information and a nudge, that consumers have a willingness and potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions.

Suggested Citation

  • McNamara, S. & Grubb, M., 2011. "The Psychological Underpinnings of the Consumer Role in Energy Demand and Carbon Abatement," Cambridge Working Papers in Economics 1126, Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge.
    • Handle: RePEc:cam:camdae:1126
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Steg, Linda, 2008. "Promoting household energy conservation," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(12), pages 4449-4453, December.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Baddeley, M., 2011. "Energy, the Environment and Behaviour Change: A survey of insights from behavioural economics," Cambridge Working Papers in Economics 1162, Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge.
    3. Ricci, Elena Claire & Banterle, Alessandro, 2020. "Do major climate change-related public events have an impact on consumer choices?," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 126(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Energy Efficiency; Carbon Mitigation; Carbon Footprint; Consumer Agency;
    All these keywords.

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