Energy Literacy Research Cathy Dwyer

How can we reduce energy use?  High prices are effective way to reduce energy use, however they cause serious impacts in the broader economy  High prices are a blunt weapon for reducing energy use, since they act as a significant drag on economic activity  What other means do we have to reduce energy use?  Goal of this research is to examine attitudes towards and energy and their impact on decisions to use energy 2Sustainability Workshop, AMCIS 2009

Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1985) 3Sustainability Workshop, AMCIS 2009

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Energy Literacy  Literacy is understood to mean conceptual fluency, i.e., a high level of mastery over a domain or topic  Energy Literacy refers to degree of knowledge of the complexities related to energy and energy use  Is the use of computer based analysis and visualization tools an effective way to promote Energy Literacy?  Does an increase in Energy Literacy lead to an increase in sustainable energy use behavior? 5Sustainability Workshop, AMCIS 2009

Pilot results of Energy Literacy Measures  Three Intro to computing classes Fall 2008  Core course required of all undergraduates, covers Excel, Computer Security, HTML, and JavaScript  Sustainability topics approximately 40% of course content  Excel energy use assignments, assigned reading and online discussion, and group web pages on Energy topic  50 subjects completed pre and post Energy Literacy survey (50/84) = response rate 59% 6Sustainability Workshop, AMCIS 2009

Sustainability Attitude Measures (adapted from New Environmental Paradigm Scale – NEP) PrePost(1 = SD 7 = SA) The so-called ecological crisis facing humankind has been greatly exaggerated I would be willing to pay a fee for using disposable plastic bags I would support a tax on carbon emissions We must take stronger measures to conserve our nation's resources * I would be willing to pay more in taxes to support renewable energy projects I plan to participate in events organized by environmental groups * Environmental regulations have placed unfair burdens on businesses When humans interfere with nature it often produces disastrous consequences. * p <.05 7Sustainability Workshop, AMCIS 2009

Sustainability Behaviors (adapted from Environmentally Responsible Behavior Index) PrePost About how often have you: 1) Hardly ever (10%), 2) Sometimes (30%), 3) Frequently (50%), 4) Most of the time (70%), 5) All the time (90%) Tried to learn what you can do to help solve environmental issues? Talked with others about environmental issues? Tried to convince friends to act responsibly toward the environment? Recycle cardboard? Throw recyclables into the trash? Leave the air conditioner running when leaving home? Use disposable dishes (paper plates etc.)? Use public transportation? Conserve water by turning off the tap when brushing your teeth? Leave the TV on in an empty room? Switch off lights in empty rooms? 8Sustainability Workshop, AMCIS 2009

Attitudes toward Sustainability Responsibility PrePost Please select a number that represents your opinion as to who has the responsibility for using energy in a sustainable way. 1) 0%, 2) 20%, 3) 40%, 4) 60%, 5) 80%, 6) 100% Individual citizens must take responsibility for using the earth's resources in a sustainable way * Businesses and corporations must take responsibility for using the earth's resources in a sustainable way * Local governments (state and city level) must take responsibility for using the earth's resources in a sustainable way National governments must take responsibility for using the earth's resources in a sustainable way. *p <.05 9Sustainability Workshop, AMCIS 2009

Student comments on impact of sustainability issues to their future  These issues are very important and should not be overlooked. Everyone should at least try and recycle.  I think that it is our job to determine the impact of sustainability on our future but the local and national government has a bigger responsibility in taking care of that for us.  We need to start considering more sustainable fuels.  I think that everyone needs to take responsibility for their own actions..the world depends on it. It's scary to know how serious this problem really is. I don't want my earth to deteriorate!  The world will in time be a vast desert with no resources or living beings if this rate of extraction continues. 10Sustainability Workshop, AMCIS 2009