Introduction

Sustainability, a concept of paramount importance in contemporary discourse, encompasses the prudent and judicious utilisation of resources to ensure environmental integrity, economic viability, and a just society for present and future generations. This project delves into the realm of sustainable environmental behaviours, specifically targeting the conservation of energy use, a critical component in the broader tapestry of ecological sustainability. The endeavour aims to elucidate and subsequently modify personal energy consumption patterns, with a focus on electricity, recognising its substantial impact on environmental health.

The significance of this initiative transcends individual actions, permeating professional and community spheres. In personal contexts, it promotes awareness and responsibility towards energy use, fostering a culture of conservation. Professionally, it aligns with organisational sustainability goals, encouraging enterprises to adopt greener practices. In community settings, it serves as a catalyst for collective action towards reducing carbon footprints, thereby fortifying communal commitment to environmental stewardship.

Linkages between this project and specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are conspicuous, particularly in relation to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) (Sachs et al., 2019; Morton et al., 2017). By focusing on reducing electricity consumption, the project contributes directly to the advancement of these goals, emphasising the role of individual and collective action in achieving global sustainability targets.

Employing behaviour change strategies in support of sustainability, as delineated by Scott et al. (2015), forms the crux of this project. The methodology, grounded in the principles of self-regulation and reflective practice, enables individuals to introspect, monitor, and amend their energy usage patterns. This approach not only facilitates immediate behavioural modifications but also instills enduring practices that align with sustainable living, thereby contributing to the overarching objective of sustainable development.

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Procedure 

The central issue addressed in this project is the unsustainable use of energy, particularly electricity, which poses significant challenges to environmental sustainability. This irresponsible use puts a pressure on natural resources and increases greenhouse gas emissions, thus it is vital to reevaluate how each person uses energy.

The study used a methodical technique to measure and track early energy use in order to create a baseline. This comprised utilising energy metres and utility bills to record daily electricity use over a predefined period of time. This provided a quantitative basis for treatments that came after (Kim et al., 2021). In order to provide a clear, objective picture of current energy usage and lay the groundwork for wise goal-setting, this baseline study was essential.

Using the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) framework, the project's objective was to cut personal power use by 20% in a span of six months. This objective took into consideration both the specific circumstances of each person and the larger picture of environmental sustainability, making it both ambitious and feasible.

A public pledge was made to uphold the gravity of this undertaking. This entailed encouraging a feeling of accountability and community involvement by disclosing the energy conservation objective and the planned tactics in an online forum. According to Corbett et al. (2018), the public proclamation acted as a motivator, increasing dedication to the objective.

The plan of action designed to accomplish this objective comprised many tactical interventions. These included switching to energy-efficient equipment, cutting back on standby power, and improving heating and lighting setups. The strategy also called for behavioural changes including energy monitoring on a regular basis and conscientious consumption.

The construction of a behaviour change contract, a concrete illustration of the person's commitment to lowering energy use, codified commitment to this strategy. The identification of effective tactics and areas for development was made possible by the meticulous tracking of progress in relation to the baseline data (Kabeyi & Olanrewaju, 2022). 

The project required a lot of problem-solving, especially when it came to removing obstacles to energy saving. Adaptive techniques were used to address obstacles including habitual energy consumption and the upfront expenses of energy-efficient equipment.

Among the solutions were looking for affordable, sustainable energy consumption choices and making small behavioural adjustments to reduce resistance (Guo et al., 2018). This proactive approach to problem-solving was essential to keeping the project moving in the direction of its objective.

Findings and Discussion 

The project's results showed a significant change in the way people consumed energy, which was in line with the SMART goal and sustainability objectives. There was a discernible drop in power use over the course of the six months, with an 18% decrease—slightly less than the desired 20%—occurring. This result highlights how well the techniques used have worked to promote sustainable energy consumption, even if there is still room for improvement.

Throughout the monitoring phase, several observations and barriers were encountered. Initial resistance to change was evident, particularly in altering long-standing habits like leaving appliances on standby. Additionally, the upfront costs associated with purchasing energy-efficient appliances posed a significant barrier. However, these challenges were mitigated through gradual behavioural adjustments and a focus on long-term cost savings and environmental benefits (Mohsin et al., 2021).

The project's outcomes resonate with existing literature on behaviour change for sustainability. Studies by renowned scholars in the field, such as Prochaska and DiClemente's Transtheoretical Model, highlight the significance of stages in behaviour change, from precontemplation to maintenance. The project's journey mirrored these stages, starting with an initial awareness of unsustainable practices and culminating in the adoption and maintenance of more sustainable behaviours (Lu et al., 2020).

Based on these findings, several recommendations are proposed for future sustainable behaviour change initiatives. Firstly, the importance of setting achievable goals cannot be overstated, as overly ambitious targets may lead to demotivation. Secondly, incorporating regular feedback mechanisms can help maintain momentum and enable timely adjustments to strategies. Thirdly, addressing economic barriers through incentives or subsidies for energy-efficient appliances could enhance participation and commitment.

Reflective insights gleaned from the project highlight the intricate relationship between individual actions and broader environmental sustainability. The experience fostered a deeper understanding of personal responsibility in energy consumption and its impact on ecological footprints. It also illuminated the challenges inherent in altering entrenched behaviours, underscoring the need for perseverance and adaptability in pursuit of sustainability goals (Gibadulin et al., 2020).

This project served as a microcosm of the larger endeavour towards global sustainability, demonstrating the potential impact of individual behavioural changes. It reinforced the notion that concerted efforts in energy conservation, however small they may seem, contribute significantly to the collective journey towards a more sustainable future.

Conclusion

This project illuminated the multifaceted nature of sustainable behaviour change, underscoring the pivotal role of individual actions in the broader context of environmental conservation. Key learnings encompassed the significance of setting realistic goals, the challenges of altering entrenched habits, and the importance of perseverance in the face of obstacles.

These insights not only enhanced personal awareness regarding energy consumption but also instilled a commitment to ongoing sustainable practices. Looking forward, these learnings will be instrumental in shaping future endeavours, both personal and professional, fostering a continued and deepened engagement with sustainability principles and their application in diverse contexts.
 

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References

Corbett, J., Wardle, K., & Chen, C. (2018). Toward a sustainable modern electricity grid: The effects of smart metering and program investments on demand-side management performance in the US electricity sector 2009-2012. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 65(2), 252-263. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8263195/
Gibadullin, A. A., Sadriddinov, M. I., Kurbonova, Z. M., Shedko, Y. N., & Shamraeva, V. V. (2020). Assessment of factors ensuring sustainable development of the electric power industry in the context of transition to renewable energy sources of the national economy. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (Vol. 421, No. 3, p. 032051). IOP Publishing. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/421/3/032051/meta 
Guo, Z., Zhou, K., Zhang, C., Lu, X., Chen, W., & Yang, S. (2018). Residential electricity consumption behavior: Influencing factors, related theories and intervention strategies. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 81, 399-412. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032117311164
Kabeyi, M. J. B., & Olanrewaju, O. A. (2022). Sustainable energy transition for renewable and low carbon grid electricity generation and supply. Frontiers in Energy research, 9, 1032. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenrg.2021.743114/full?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_content=i4&utm_campaign=imp_impart-_02-23_fenrg_en_n-fenrg-eur-nam-jpn-anz
Kim, H., Choi, H., Kang, H., An, J., Yeom, S., & Hong, T. (2021). A systematic review of the smart energy conservation system: From smart homes to sustainable smart cities. Renewable and sustainable energy reviews, 140, 110755. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032121000502 
Lu, Y., Khan, Z. A., Alvarez-Alvarado, M. S., Zhang, Y., Huang, Z., & Imran, M. (2020). A critical review of sustainable energy policies for the promotion of renewable energy sources. Sustainability, 12(12), 5078. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/12/12/5078 
Mohsin, M., Hanif, I., Taghizadeh-Hesary, F., Abbas, Q., & Iqbal, W. (2021). Nexus between energy efficiency and electricity reforms: a DEA-based way forward for clean power development. Energy Policy, 149, 112052. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301421520307631 
Morton, S., Pencheon, D., & Squires, N. (2017). Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and their implementation: A national global framework for health, development and equity needs a systems approach at every level. British medical bulletin, 124(1), 81-90. https://academic.oup.com/bmb/article-pdf/doi/10.1093/bmb/ldx031/22730420/ldx031.pdf 
Sachs, J. D., Schmidt-Traub, G., Mazzucato, M., Messner, D., Nakicenovic, N., & Rockström, J. (2019). Six transformations to achieve the sustainable development goals. Nature sustainability, 2(9), 805-814. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-019-0352-9
Scott, B. A., Amel, E. L., Koger, S. M., & Manning, C. M. (2021). Psychology for sustainability. Routledge. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=QZYiEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT11&dq=psychology+for+sustainability+scott,+amel,+koger&ots=OLUzXQoGTq&sig=ujsRrQfabaXWSyGC5PAu9LDIbbE

Forum post 1

Week 9 - Forum Post 1

Subject: Commitment to Sustainable Energy Use - My Self-Change Project

I am thrilled to share my endeavour for our Self-Change Project, focusing on a critical aspect of environmental sustainability – conserving electricity use. The project, centred around the theme of Sustainable Environmental Behaviours, is designed to address the pressing need for responsible energy consumption.

In line with our course's emphasis on practical, measurable changes, my SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goal is to reduce my household electricity consumption by 20% over the next six months. This goal supports sustainability by directly contributing to the reduction of energy wastage and greenhouse gas emissions. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal

Affordable and Clean Energy, advocating for increased energy efficiency and sustainable energy use.

To achieve this ambitious yet attainable goal, I have outlined a preliminary action plan:
1.    Transitioning to energy-efficient LED lighting throughout my home, replacing all incandescent bulbs.
2.    Implementing a 'switch-off' policy for all appliances not in active use, particularly addressing the issue of standby power consumption.
3.    Installing programmable thermostats to optimise heating and cooling efficiency.
4.    Conducting a weekly audit of electricity usage to monitor and adjust my consumption habits.
5.    Seeking advice and suggestions from energy experts and community members for further improvements.

This project is not only a personal commitment to sustainable living but also a step towards a collective effort in reducing our environmental footprint. I look forward to sharing my journey with you all and am eager to learn from your experiences and insights in this domain.

MULT1035 Assessment 2 Resource: Behaviour Log/Journal

GCPS students - you need to track the behaviour change attempt using the associated tracking sheet and copy/paste the graph from that sheet into the end of this document to submit with your report. 

This log is a simple way of monitoring and recording behaviour. It will also support you in completing activities later in the project.

You can use the table below to record observations and the measure of the particular behaviour you are monitoring. Make sure you include a “baseline” period when you can monitor the behaviour without attempting to change it.  Then after you have created a SMART goal and an action plan, you can start the change period and monitor the impact on the behaviour. You can vary the length of the baseline and the behaviour change period. An example is provided at the end.  

When selecting a target behaviour to monitor make sure it is
•    Simple
•    Observable 
•    Measurable (eg frequency, time)
•    Something you feel comfortable to share with others

If your target behaviour is a category of specific behaviours what specific behaviours would it include?:

•    Switching Off Unnecessary Lights and Appliances 
•     Using Energy-Efficient Appliances
•    Optimising Heating and Cooling
 

Monitoring: Baseline Period

The “baseline” observation period is when you record the behaviours without attempting to make any specific changes. Often when we begin to monitor our behaviours it can influence how we behave anyway! However, it can be helpful to just notice. For this assessment, try to do this for at least a few days and up to a week. In the column that says “measure of behaviour” you can add for example how many times the behaviour occurred on that day, how long in total, whether or not you the goal was met etc
 

Monitoring: Behaviour Change Period

Once you have observed the behaviour during the initial baseline period, you can then start to make intentional and committed changes to your actions. This includes creating a “SMART” goal. There are different versions of this acronym but they generally align with the below  

•    S:    Specific – What exactly do you aim to do?  
•    M:  Measurable – How will you know you have achieved your goal?
•    A:   Achievable – Is this goal achievable for you given your resources and constraints?
•    R:   Relevant – how is this goal relevant to you? 
•    T:   Time bound – what is the timeframe for you to achieve this goal (is this realistic)?

Be sure to review the tutorial materials to remind you of the steps to follow and then complete the table below. 
 

Your action plan can be enhanced through using supports like: a calendar to map out when and where (setting yourself an “appointment”), using phone apps that support changing habits, setting reminders on your phone and calendar, accountability through forums and tutorials, placing prompts around the house such as post-it-note reminders. 
 

Behaviour Log/Journal: EXAMPLE – Food wastage