Residential Case Studies and Projects

Educating for Behavior Changes in Energy Use

Work to Date

Abstract:
This research project worked with students at two different age levels to facilitate their awareness of energy use/conservation issues and change their behaviors regarding energy use. We looked at energy use in university residence halls (Dorm Study) and attitudes toward car fuel efficiency in junior high students (Car Study). With both groups, researchers facilitated self-education, problem-solving, behavior change, and action plan activities. Research activities paid careful attention to participant conceptions, attention to barriers inhibiting environment friendly behavior, and used participant-developed plans for overcoming barriers and implementing target behaviors.

In the car study, a pre- and post-survey was given to 70 of the 8th grade students at Peet Junior High in Cedar Falls, Iowa, assessing their views on nature, the environment, and car energy efficiency. Between surveys, researchers facilitated an after-school group to increase students' awareness of gas mileage and car fuel efficiency. Students helped design two billboards posted in Cedar Falls for two months to increase their peer's awareness of the need for energy conservation in car use. Survey results showed a slight increase in awareness of a fuel efficient car but no change in awareness of tailpipe pollution from cars.

In the Dorm Study, a pre- and post-survey were given to approximately 50 of the students in Dancer and Bender Halls. A volunteer group of students from Dancer Hall developed student-directed methods to modify energy use behaviors in the residence hall. Activities included an energy quiz event, public awareness Dancer Energy Team t-shirts, a weekly competition between floors to conserve room energy using specific criteria, and a personal action plan for reducing energy use. Manipulations occurred during a short time period (February -mid-April, 2005) for any change to be expected in measurement of energy use. However, when we compared the fall and spring survey results for students who took both, we found several positive trends in the target group. On the issues specifically addressed in the manipulation (reduction of computer and appliance energy use), the Dancer students moved in the right direction more than the Bender students. On the issues not addressed, there was no change. On questions about general environmental attitudes there was no change. However, on questions about specific behaviors (actions), the Dancer students showed a change in the direction of being more environmentally sensitive than the Bender students.

Work To Date: (Technical Report – April 2007)
Energy conservation programs in four residence halls were established; two programs are led by student coordinators. Developed Energy! Central locations for project promotion and education on energy conservation in participating residence halls occurred. We participated in two conference calls with staff of student energy conservation programs at universities across the country (program promotion and collaboration) and developed a set of questions and responses using social psychology to promote and ensure student attendance at energy reduction events/activities. It was successful. We also served on UNI campus-wide Earth Day committee and on the UNI campus-wide Energy Conservation Committee; using project principles to recommend campus-wide plan of action for changing behaviors/attitudes regarding energy reduction.

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