UC Davis

Providing consumers with feedback about their energy consumption is a common strategy in the residential sector, but less common in the commercial sector. Feedback is more complicated in the commercial sector because there are typically many more building occupants to reach, most of whom have no financial incentive to use energy efficiently. Utility energy feedback programs, such as the green button initiative and energy reports, are accessed by a single proprietor or building manager as a paper- or web-based display that is not conducive to widespread dissemination to all relevant occupants. The format is also data-heavy, which many targeted consumers may not find engaging, especially when they have no financial stake in understanding the information. The present research explored the potential role of creative energy feedback displays in workplaces. We implemented a program of extremely low fidelity, ambient feedback: a ceremonial display of flags and music three times per day. Occupants participated in focus groups and surveys before and after the intervention. Results suggest that emotive, low fidelity feedback complements objective, granular feedback by capturing attention and creating motivation to learn how to reduce energy consumption. Furthermore, public feedback on collective behavior leverages social influence, creating a sense of community, group identity, norms for responsible energy consumption, and accountability. Practical implications for building these features into more conventional energy feedback programs will be discussed.