Energy-related behaviour and rebound when rationality, self-interest and willpower are limited

The extent to which adopting energy-efficient technologies results in energy savings depends on how such are used, and monetary from efficiency spent. Energy rebound occurs when potential diminished due post-adoption behaviour. Here we review empirical studies six behavioural regularities affect three energy-relevant decisions ultimately rebound: adoption of energy-saving products or practices, their intensity use spending associated savings. findings suggest that behaviours reflect limited rationality willpower may increase rebound, while the effects driven by bounded self-interest less clear. We then describe interventions with each can influence thus serve achieve higher Future research ought study a more integrated manner, particular focus re-spending as this presents greatest challenge for policy. impact be resulting This Review examines