Understanding sustainable development in households: a framework of environmental activity in households and its consequences for environmental activity promotion strategies Management School, University of Sheffield School of Earth & Environment, University of Leeds Anna Scott

Presentation overview Nature of the research examining household participation in environmental activity Overview of findings – introducing a framework of environmental activity in households Implications for environmental activity promotion strategies

Research problem SD requires engagement of general public in environmental activity in the home, e.g. recycling, energy saving measures Research on participation in env activity focuses on individuals… …but the decision making unit in relation to env activity is the household

Research approach 1.How do households engage in environmental activity? (day to day processes) 2.How do households become engaged in environmental activity? (processes over time) Household focus groups (24) Grounded theory approach (theory from data)

ENGAGEMENT OF HOUSEHOLDS IN ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITY (DAY TO DAY) – EMBEDDED IN EVERYDAY LIVES HOMOGENEOUS ACTIVITY ACROSS THE HOUSEHOLD HETEROGENEOUS ACTIVITY ACROSS THE HOUSEHOLD (LEADERSHIP) ENGAGEMENT OF HOUSEHOLDS IN ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITY (OVER TIME) – GRADUAL AND INCREMENTAL PROCESS HOUSEHOLD THEMELEADERSHIP

Implications for environmental activity promotion UK government SD strategy – enable, encourage and engage people and lead by example Households with most potential for impact Information is not sought – take information to households and support behaviour change Modified focus group format as a behaviour change tool?

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