Workshop ‘Spill-over Effects of Sustainable Behaviour’

The project “Sustainable consumer behaviour” assesses whether behavioural changes in one domain have positive or negative impacts on the behaviour in another domain. Preliminary results indicate that spill-over effects are not negative and may actually even go in a positive direction. Hence saving electricity may lead, for instance, to water conservation.

Whereas the project “Rebound Effects of the Sharing Economy” explores the motivations and spending behaviour of consumers involved in sharing activities. Initial findings show that the more a consumer earns or saves by sharing, the greater is the allocation of money to specific consumption activities such as recreation or clothing.

While some workshop participants favoured challenges and behavioural interventions, the majority called for true cost accounting to ensure consumers pay the right price.

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