Reduce, Reuse, Remember! Promoting Energy-Saving Behaviors in Sorority Students

ORCID

Carolynn Kohn: 0000-0002-2156-4898

Document Type

Poster

Department

Psychology

Conference Title

Annual Convention of the Association for Behavior Analysis International

Location

Seattle, WA

Conference Dates

May 25-29, 2012

Date of Presentation

5-28-2012

Abstract

Behavioral interventions can lead to short-term (e.g., 3 weeks) energy reduction (e.g., Bekker et al., 2010). However, few studies have examined the efficacy of these methods in support of long-term change (e.g., several months). The purpose of the present study was twofold: (1) replicate a recent study that used visual prompts, feedback, and incentives to reduce energy consumption on a college campus; and (2) extend that study by following participants post-intervention to assess the durability of the intervention. Two campus sorority houses (an intervention and a control house) were selected to participate. Data were collected daily over a 7 week period (3 week baseline, 4 week intervention) by reading each houses energy meter. During intervention, signs suggesting methods to reduce energy consumption were placed in all rooms; a savings thermometer (updated daily) was placed in the main room displaying cumulative monetary savings (toward an end goal). Results indicated that the intervention house reduced their average energy use by 12% ($108); whereas, the control house reduced their energy use by less than 1%, suggesting that, at least in the short-term, the intervention effectively reduced energy consumption. Data collected through May 2012 will indicate whether this energy reduction can be sustained.

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