The power of the neighbourhood: Succes and spread of bottom-up initiative on the energy market (De kracht van de buurt)

Bottom-up initiatives are seen as having great potential in the transition toward more sustainable energy production and usage, yet the vast majority of citizens does not seem to be willing to start or join a local energy initiative. The question is why? What predicts whether someone will start or partake in a local energy initiative? Most research on energy behaviour focuses on individual factors that might influence individual energy behaviour. But in order to understand the role that local initiatives can play in the energy transition, more insight is needed in the social factors that influence such collective energy behaviour. In this project, we will conduct a longitudinal study among a large sample of local energy initiatives, in which we examine both individual and social factors that may influence the extent to which someone is willing to start or partake in a local initiative, as well as the characteristics of the local initiatives themselves that may predict collective energy behaviour. By taking this multi-level approach, and by distributing surveys among partakers and non-partakers, we hope to provide a better understanding of what predicts the emergence and success of local initiatives on the energy market.

Researchers and partners

Behavioural and Social Sciences, Psychology

• D. (Daniel) Sloot, Social Psychology
• dr. L. (Lise) Jans, Social Psychology
• prof. dr. E.M. (Linda) Steg, Social Psychology

Education

Selection of BA and MA student projects

• The relation between investment in a local energy initiative and energy behaviour; The relation between investment in a local energy initiative and personal norms and values; The relation between investment in a local energy initiative and solidarity wit
• The relation between investment in a local energy initiative and energy behaviour; The relation between investment in a local energy initiative and personal norms and values; The relation between investment in a local energy initiative and solidarity wit

Other remarks on education

• Literature study and traineeship

Results

Successful grant proposals and other achievements

• Tender Samenwerken Topsector Energie en Maatschappij (STEM) Grant from Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO) for the research proposal De kracht van de buurt (The power of the neighbourhood)'

University's focus areas

• Energy
• Sustainable Society