Energy, Technology, and Behavior
Interactions that affect energy savingsIn the United States and around the world, we are grappling with the challenge of meeting energy needs in ways that are economically, socially, and environmentally sound. To avoid trial and error in this endeavor, we must understand and anticipate the implications of our choices and move forward with the best opportunities for optimizing energy efficiency and supply in all spheres — humanely, sustainably, and economically.
The Energy, Technology, and Behavior Initiative emphasizes the role of human behavior in achieving energy-efficiency and energy-savings goals. It builds on Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s extensive experience in analyzing decision making and behavior in markets and other contexts to focus on today’s energy challenges. The initiative’s work provides insights to enhance the energy-savings potential of technologies, policies, and programs through analyzing the actions and decisions of individuals and organizations and identifying their intentional and unintentional consequences.
Market Structure and Behavior — Forces and institutions that drive behavior
Social, Institutional, and Economic Behavior — Informing technology, program, and policy design
Technology & Resource Dynamics — Anticipating behavioral consequences of major transitions
Policy Analysis and Behavior — Incentives and disincentives
Evaluation of Energy and Non-energy Impacts — Design, implementation, data management, and analysis
For more information, contact:
Amy K. Wolfe (wolfeak@ornl.gov, 865-574-5944)
Melissa V. Lapsa (lapsamv@ornl.gov, 865-576-8620)