Longterm behavioural change for efficient energy use
In Search of a Better Way Forward
Today, across the world, environmentally conscious new builds regularly miss their established energy goals despite brilliant technology and intelligent design.
This is a big problem, especially considering that domestic and non-domestic buildings account for 28% and 18% of total UK emissions respectively.
Clearly, something needs to change.
In 2016, we partnered with the University of Reading to implement a new approach to building efficiency, focussing on forming long-term behavioural changes using real-time data and psychological insights.
Our work formed the basis for a peer reviewed study that identified long term behavioural change as a key element in real-life building efficiency, fundamental in the fight against climate change.
Behavioural change Promoting Building Efficiency
Our project found that perceived control over energy consumption is one of the most important factors in actual building efficiency.
Through using email reminders, star-based reward systems, and through innovative displays of real-time energy consumption, we saw a 20% reduction in general power consumption, with the biggest savings observed in lighting and appliance usage.
Using behavioural techniques we found we could not only change people’s behaviour in the short-term, but for years to come.
The results are clear; If we are to be serious about reducing the energy consumption of our buildings, we need to start investing in user-based technology that makes it easy for people to understand how their actions affect their energy consumption.
This is where Shimmy comes in.
Our Shimmy Solution
Carnego Systems is committed to continuous, real-time building performance evaluation, delivering intuitive technology that helps people to understand how to save heating, water and electricity in the buildings they use.
Our Shimmy App allows occupants to track their energy consumption and solar generation minute by minute, and enables them to make informed decisions about how they can improve their carbon footprint and lower their bills.
In fact, all our technology puts the user first.
If we want to get real about tackling the climate crisis, we need to provide people with the information they need to make the right choices.