Contextual and psychological factors shaping evaluations and acceptability of energy alternatives: Integrated review and research agenda

Abstract

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Towards a cross-paradigmatic framework of the social acceptance of energy systems

“…There are other proposals for synthesizing the variety of contextual and psychological factors operative in this context [26] [27], both in agreement with each other and built upon here by drawing on Wustenhagen et al [15]. However we seek to add to such syntheses in several ways.…”

Understanding the Human Factor of the Energy Transition: Mechanisms Underlying Energy-Relevant Decisions and Behaviors

“…For example, studies have examined the adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar or wind energy (see Perlaviciute and Steg, 2014, for a review), subscription to green power tariffs (Tabi et al, 2014), investment in specific energy efficiency technologies such as electric vehicles (Schuitema et al, 2013;Klöckner, 2014;Noppers et al, 2014) or energy efficient light bulbs (Reynolds et al, 2007;Lee et al, 2013), the adoption and use of specific components of smart grids (Sintov and Schultz, 2015), including smart meters (Kaufmann et al, 2013), and specific energy behaviors such as doing your laundry (McCalley and Midden, 2002) or showering O'Leary, 1982-1983). An important question is how these different types of behaviors are related, and how broader lifestyle effects can be realized, including, for example, adoption of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies, changes in everyday energy behavior, investments in refurbishments, and acceptability of energy policy.…”

“…For example, bikini models or chocolate can activate hedonic values; status symbols or signs of money can activate egoistic values; while Bibles, churches, statues of Justitia and environmental symbols can activate altruistic and biospheric values (Verplanken and Holland, 2002;Lindenberg and Steg, 2007;Lindenberg, 2012;Perlaviciute, 2014). Also, high behavioral costs are likely to activate values related to these costs, notably hedonic and egoistic values, which makes it less likely that people act upon their biospheric values (Steg et al, 2014a;.…”

“…People therefore need to rely on other parties, such as developers, governments, and scientists, to develop their views of different aspects related to sustainable energy transitions. The extent to which people trust these parties will influence acceptability of energy policies and changes in energy system (Whitfield et al, 2009;Huijts et al, 2012;Perlaviciute and Steg, 2014). Trust in involved parties will especially affect evaluations and perceptions when people have little knowledge about the proposed energy policies or energy system changes (cf.…”

“…People may be more likely to accept energy policies and changes in energy systems if they believe that the decision-making process is fair, and if they feel they are sufficiently involved in decisionmaking and that their interests are considered (Huijts et al, 2012;Perlaviciute and Steg, 2014). Public involvement can take place at different levels, which will affect acceptability differently (Devine-Wright, 2011).…”