How social norms conserved energy by increasing hotel towel reuse rates by 36%

IndustryBusiness
Reading time5 min read

Abstract

This intervention examines how a behavioral science approach can influence energy conservation behaviors.1 Specifically, the experimenters tested whether messages describing social norms could encourage towel reuse in hotels and condominiums. The study found that combining injunctive and descriptive norms can increase energy-conserving behaviors. This finding was replicated in two more field experiments.

WANT TO WORK TOGETHER ON A RELATED PROBLEM?

Effective interventions start with a nuanced understanding of how decisions are made. Our mission is to help large organizations be better and do better, using behavioral science.

Learn about what we do

Sources

  1. Schultz, W. P., Khazian, A. M., & Zaleski, A. C. (2008). Using normative social influence to promote conservation among hotel guests. Social Influence, 3(1), 4–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/15534510701755614. 
  2. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Learn about Energy and its Impact on the Environment. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/energy/learn-about-energy-and-its-impact-environment.
  3. Estrada, M., Schultz, P. W., Silva-Send, N., & Boudrias, M. A. (2017). The role of social influences on Pro-Environment behaviors in the San Diego region. Journal of Urban Health, 94(2), 170–179. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-017-0139-0
  4.   Tummers, L. (2019). Public Policy and Behavior Change. Public Administration Review, 79(6), 925–930. https://doi.org/10.1111/puar.13109
  5.   Eyink, J., Motz, B., Heltzel, G., & Liddell, T. (2018). Self-Regulated Studying Behavior, and the Social Norms that Influence It [Preprint]. PsyArXiv. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/bf6kg.

About us

We are the leading applied research & innovation consultancy

Our insights are leveraged by the most ambitious organizations

Image

“

I was blown away with their application and translation of behavioral science into practice. They took a very complex ecosystem and created a series of interventions using an innovative mix of the latest research and creative client co-creation. I was so impressed at the final product they created, which was hugely comprehensive despite the large scope of the client being of the world's most far-reaching and best known consumer brands. I'm excited to see what we can create together in the future.

Heather McKee

BEHAVIORAL SCIENTIST

GLOBAL COFFEEHOUSE CHAIN PROJECT

OUR CLIENT SUCCESS

$0M

Annual Revenue Increase

By launching a behavioral science practice at the core of the organization, we helped one of the largest insurers in North America realize $30M increase in annual revenue.

0%

Increase in Monthly Users

By redesigning North America's first national digital platform for mental health, we achieved a 52% lift in monthly users and an 83% improvement on clinical assessment.

0%

Reduction In Design Time

By designing a new process and getting buy-in from the C-Suite team, we helped one of the largest smartphone manufacturers in the world reduce software design time by 75%.

0%

Reduction in Client Drop-Off

By implementing targeted nudges based on proactive interventions, we reduced drop-off rates for 450,000 clients belonging to USA's oldest debt consolidation organizations by 46%

Let's chat

Read Next

Intervention

How Simplifying 401k Enrollment Increased Participation by 300% 

Learn More

Intervention

Commitment devices and farmer saving habits

Can restrictions be a good thing?

Learn More

Intervention

The Power of Default Choices: Paper Summary

Defaults are king in behavioral science – but do they all work the same? This meta-analysis examined 58 studies to find out.

Learn More

Intervention

How labeling cash transfers increased the likelihood of spending it on intended goods by 38%

Learn More
See All
Notes illustration

Eager to learn about how behavioral science can help your organization?

Contact us