Evaluating the Effect of Framing Energy Consumption in Terms of Losses versus Gains on Air-Conditioner Use: A Field Experiment in a Student Dormitory in Japan

Promoting energy conservation in university dormitories is challenging because student residents are typically charged a flat utility fee. One possibility to curb excessive use the absence of monetary incentives highlight environmental consequences use. However, it still largely unknown how these should be communicated effectively change people’s behavior. In present study, we analyzed effect framing terms losses versus gains on air-conditioner Japanese dormitory. A total 330 students were provided with stickers attach remote control their dormitory room during winter term. The conveyed that increasing temperature will hurt environment (loss frame), reducing protect (gain or changing affect (neutral frame). Day-to-day variations objective data as function experimental condition examine message framing. from pre-intervention intervention period did not differ between groups and neither after intervention.