Analyzing Barriers to Energy Conservation in Residences and Offices: The Rewire Program at the University of Toronto

Abstract

Conducting a barriers analysis is an important first step when designing proenvironmental behavior change interventions. Yet, detailed information on common barriers to energy conservation campaigns remains unavailable. Using a pair of original surveys, we leverage the theory of planned behavior to report on the most important barriers for fourteen energy conservation behaviors common in university residences and offices. Our results provide key information for individuals designing community-based social marketing and other behavior change campaigns in an educational setting, particularly for energy conservation efforts. Results also provide guidance for the process of conducting effective barrier assessments.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This research was funded by the Ontario Power Authority Conservation Bureau, the Toronto Atmospheric Fund, Natural Resources Canada, the Ontario Centres of Excellence, ECO Canada, Eco Action Canada, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, Toronto Community Foundation and the University of Toronto. Thank you to Zannah Matson for her contributions to this manuscript.