prof. dr. E.M. (Linda) Steg

Renewable Energy Strategies: Effective Public Engagement in Climate Policy and Energy Transition (RESPECT)

Renewable energy projects often face public resistance, especially if people feel excluded from the decision making. Public participation early in the decision-making process could lead to more socially acceptable energy projects. However, public participation is currently focused on local energy projects, while important decisions are made at macro level in policy visions, plans, and programmes. This may reduce public influence and fuel public resistance. One solution is to include public participation in macro-level decision making. Yet, little is known about how this can be done and how this would affect the acceptability of energy projects. In this project, we develop a novel, interdisciplinary approach on how to optimise public participation at all levels of decision making to reach more socially acceptable decisions. 

See: https://www.nwo.nl/(...)ng-binnen-maret.html

Quantifying and Deploying Responsible Negative Emissions in Climate Resilient Pathways (NEGEM)

Besides renewable energy, other solutions are needed for the sustainable energy transition, such as carbon capture and storage. These so-called negative emission technologies remove CO2 from the atmosphere, thereby slowing climate change and its negative impacts. We study public acceptability of these often highly controversial technologies, as part of the EU-funded project “NEGEM”, led by the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. It is a collaborative roject with scholars from other disciplines, including climate scientists from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.

See: negemproject.eu

Shared connectivity in Mobility and Logistics Enable Sustainability (SMILES)

Societal challenges such as global warming and an increasing population invite us to reconsider logistical and mobility systems. The goal of this SMiLES is to establish a Living Lab to study barriers and opportunities for open sharing networks in a comprehensive way through an interdisciplinary lens.

This means we study psychological, technical, legal, moral, spatial and economic barriers and opportunities for sharing in logistics and mobility. We investigate the role of technology, human behaviour, ethical and legal boundaries, trust, governance, and develop innovative business and organisation models for open sharing networks to enable efficient, effective and emission-free transport. We do this together with Faculties of Economics and Business, Behavioral and Social Sciences, Law, Spatial Sciences, Philosophy, Science and Engineering, Campus Fryslân and the Hanzehogeschool and have 2 public partners (province of Groningen and the municipality of Groningen), and 18 business partners so that we can perform studies in practice to gain new insights from practice for theory development, as well as to test concepts in a public-private-people cooperation. The project consists of both work packages that aim at results in the short term (funded by the ministry of I&W) as well as work packages that aim at results in the long term (Funded by NWO). Besides doing research we also want the lab to be a place of co creation with companies, students and researchers. We teamed up with Noorderpoort to be able to develop learning community concepts in which students of Noorderpoort, Hanze and RuG work on projects. 

This research project is part of the research programme Sustainable Living Labs, which is co-financed by the Dutch Research Council (NWO), the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, Taskforce for Applied Research (SIA) and the Top Sector Logistics.

Consortium Partners: University of Groningen, Qbuzz Public Transport, Koopman Logistics Group, Arriva Passenger Transport Netherlands, Bidfood, Wagenborg, Suikerunie, KPN, Natuur & Milieu, Province of Groningen, Gemeente Groningen, Groningen Bereikbaar, Port of Lauwersoog, Horus View and Explore B.V., New Energy Coalition Foundation, Next Generation Shipyards, OV bureau Groningen Drenthe, Vinturas, 5Groningen, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Noorderpoort.

SUpporting acceptance of automated Vehicle (SUaaVe)

As the technology development for automated functions in vehicles progresses and the market introduction of connected automated vehicles (CAVs) approaches, deployment roadmaps start emphasizing societal issues related to CAV technology. Since of the main reason for a contested technology to fail is because societal needs and public acceptance are not taken into account in due time public acceptance of CAVs is of paramount importance. Additionally, as stated by ERTRAC in the Automated Driving Roadmap, gradual deployment of CAV implies that conventional and automated vehicles will co-exist along with vulnerable road users (VRUs) for some time, making acceptance and harmonisation a prime subject.

Acceptance is a multi-faceted construct, chiefly related with trust, reliability and safety, which covers from psychological factors to the characteristics of decision-making processes. In this project we will test if trust in automated systems can be increased by making the system more human like, which will result the vehicle to be more predictable and usable for passengers and other road users in its surroundings. In fact, trust in CAV is based on feelings of safety and acceptance, making the emotional processone of the most influential aspects of confidence.

Since the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies recommends that automated technologies should be aligned with fundamental values adhered by EU Treaties ethical considerations linked to the protection of human life and integrity will also be investigated in this project.

The project is funded by the European Union (H2020 Transport programme, Pillar 3).

Urban Mobility Observatory (UMO)

Urban transport systems are becoming increasingly complex. At the same time, transport technologies and services are developing rapidly, which changes travel behaviour. The combination urgently demands new and integrated observation, analysis and modelling approaches. The Urban Mobility Observatory (UMO) will gather and store empirical multi-modal traffic, transport and mobility data, using a well-balanced set of data collection methods. UMO will make these comprehensive data available for researchers to allow better understanding, prediction and facilitation of multi- modal mobility in large urbanized regions.

Research team: Delf University of Technology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, University of Twente, University of Groningen, Utrecht University, Centrum voor Wiskunde & Informatica, Amsterdam Institute for Advance Metropolitan solutions.

Smart energy systems in the Amsterdam area: Electric vehicle as gateway to smart and sustainable energy use

The fast adoption of electric vehicles in the Amsterdam region will cause capacity problems on the grid. To prevent these problems people need to adopt various smart and sustainable energy behaviours. Business models need to be developed that support the adoption of various sustainable energy technologies and behaviour. Our NWO-URSES project SMARTER suggests that the reasons for adopting an electric vehicle are crucial for the adoption of such complementary sustainable behaviours. More specifically, consumers are more likely to adopt these complementary sustainable energy behaviours if they adopted an electric vehicle for environmental reasons rather than other reasons (e.g., financial), as this will strengthen their environmental self-identity. But what strategies can be employed to strengthen environmental self-identity when environmental reasons did not play a key role in the decision to adopt an electric vehicle? The main research questions in this project are: How to promote sustainable smart energy systems in the Amsterdam area by promoting complementary sustainable behaviours among people who adopted an electric vehicle for non-environmental reasons? How to develop profitable business models that facilitate sustainable use of electric vehicles? We will test two novel strategies to promote complementary sustainable energy behaviours among those who did not primarily adopt an electric vehicle for environmental reasons: via one’s organizational identity and via feedback on the environmental impact of one’s electric vehicle. We will develop business models to support sustainable energy behaviours. Furthermore, we will integrate our findings into algorithms developed by the ENBARK+ project at the ENgineering and TEchnology institute Groningen to test overall grid performance. The project is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO).

Research team: dr. Ellen van der Werff and prof. dr. Linda Steg (Environmental Psychology, University of Groningen); prof. dr. Floor Alkemade (Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology)

Private partners: ABN AMRO, Accenture, E-laad, Engie, The New Motion

SCOOP – Sustainable cooperation: Roadmaps to a resilient society

Resilient societies are able to maintain high levels of care, work and inclusion, despite the challenges posed by changing circumstances. We argue that a key component in the potential of societies to achieve this resilience is their ability to sustain cooperation within and between families, organizations, and communities. Cooperation is difficult to sustain over time. The SCOOP consortium proposes a major, interdisciplinary multi-methods program of study to identify the secrets of sustainable cooperation and to elucidate its effects on care, work and inclusion. SCOOP brings together leading Dutch scholars in Sociology, History, Psychology, and Philosophy. Together, they have built an innovative theoretical model to integrate their complementary expertise and developed an interdisciplinary joint research strategy. Using this approach, they will disentangle the mystery of cooperation and, their program will contribute to roadmaps for resilient societies. The project is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), Gravitation programme.

Research team: prof. dr. Rafael Wittek (Sociology, University of Groningen), prof. dr. Naomi Ellemers (Psychology, Utrecht University), prof. dr. Martin van Hees (Philosophy, VU Amsterdam), prof. dr. Tanja van der Lippe (Sociology, Utrecht University), prof. dr. Russell Spears (Social Psychology, University of Groningen), prof. dr. Bas van Bavel (History, Utrecht University), prof. dr. Agnes Akkerman (Sociology, University of Groningen), prof. dr. Andreas Flache (Sociology, University of Groningen), prof. dr. Paulien Kleingeld (Philosophy, University of Groningen), prof. dr. Jan-Willem Romeijn (Philosophy, University of Groningen), prof. dr. Linda Steg (Environmental Psychology, University of Groningen), prof. dr. Mark Bovens (Public Administration, Utrecht University), prof. dr. Belle Derks (Psychology, Utrecht University), prof. dr. Tine de Moor (History, Utrecht University), prof. dr. Fran van Tubergen (Sociology, Utrecht University), prof. dr. Jan Luiten van Zanden (History,  Utrecht University), prof. dr. Pearl Dijkstra (Sociology, Erasmus University), prof. dr. Peer Scheepers (Sociology, Radboud University).

PhD student: Christopher van Rugge.

Efficient demand and supply matching by incentivizing end-users in buildings

The project aims to develop and test an interdisciplinary framework for a reliable, efficient, sustainable, and socially acceptable electricity grid with distributed generation and storage of energy. We develop control algorithms and an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) platform coupled with automation to optimize matching of demand and supply that are acceptable to users in buildings. We examine which type of automation, and which financial and social incentives are acceptable and effective to promote demand-supply matching among users. The control algorithms combine the physics and communication constraints of the electricity grid with user incentives. The platform interfaces users with the grid, thereby considering their needs, indoor information, congestion, prices and control signals, to coordinate the energy consumption of buildings. We first evaluate our framework in living-lab settings, and then implement it in the Power Matching City, a futuristic field lab in the Netherlands. The project is funded by the European Research Area Network – Smart Grid Plus.

Research team

University of Groningen: prof. dr. Marco Aiello (Distributed Systems, University of Groningen), dr. Thijs Bouman (dr. Environmental Psychology, University of Groningen), Carlo Fischione (Automatic Control group, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Electrical Engineering, Stockholm), prof. dr. Jacquelien Scherpen (ENgineering and TEchnology institute Groningen, University of Groningen), prof. dr. Linda Steg (Environmental Psychology, University of Groningen; PI).

Responsible decision making on gas: how individual and institutional factors influence public evaluations of gas

This project aims to advance responsible decision-making on gas. The use and production of gas is causing controversies, as reflected in debates about the earthquakes in Groningen, production activities at vulnerable locations, shale gas, imports from Russia, and its fossil nature. At the same time, it is advocated that gas can play an important role in the sustainable energy transition, for instance through innovations such as green gas and power-to-gas. It is a societal and ethical challenge to determine what role, if any, gas can play in the (future) energy system. For that, it is crucial to understand how the public, authorities and other stakeholders evaluate gas, what causes concerns about gas, and how to adequately address and weigh these concerns in responsible decision-making. We will study how individual factors (such as values, moral considerations) and institutional factors (such as governance structures, participation) influence public evaluations of gas. We will analyse key industry and governmental stakeholders’ views on gas, and how these views influence (intentionally or not) public evaluations. The project takes an interdisciplinary perspective, combining psychology, political science, science technology studies, institutional economics, and ethics. We will use a mixed methods approach drawing upon these disciplines to analyse changes in public and stakeholder evaluations of gas over time. We will establish a longitudinal panel to monitor and explain these changes. The project is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), see https://www.nwo-mvi.nl/project/responsible-decision-making-gas-how-individual-and-institutional-factors-influence-public

Research team

University of Groningen, Environmental Psychology: Irene Maltagliati, dr. Nadja Contzen, dr. Goda Perlaviciute, and prof. dr. Linda Steg (PI). Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management: dr. Aad Correljé, dr. ir. Eefje Cuppen, dr. ir. Udo Pesch, and Toyah Rodhouse. 

Private partners

DNV-GL, Energie Beheer Nederland, Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij (NAM), N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie, Nederlandse Olie en Gas Exploratie en Productie Associatie (NOGEPA), Stichting Schaliegasvrij Nederland, TKI Gas, Urgenda

Designing innovative and socially responsible heating systems

Eliminating natural gas use from the built environment and replacing it with sustainable heating systems is vital in reaching our CO2 reduction targets. However, critical stakeholders are reluctant towards accepting innovative heating systems. (Semi)public actors question whether the benefits can legitimate investments and end-users are hesitant towards (collective) systems that may inhibit their freedom of choice: fairness and acceptability play key roles. We study to what extent these concerns, particularly related to fairness, can be mitigated. The project is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO).

Research team

Incentives and algorithms for efficient, reliable and socially acceptable energy system integration (ERSAS)

This project aims to study how to develop efficient, reliable, sustainable and socially acceptable (decentralised) energy system integration (ESI) from an interdisciplinary perspective. We will examine how to synergise infrastructure for gas, electricity and heat, and how to promote efficient use of such energy system by end users. In the psychological sub-project, we will examine the acceptability and effects of financial and social incentives that aim to encourage end-users to match energy demand to the local fluctuating supply of various renewable energy sources, as to increase the efficient use of the local energy grid. We will study the conditions under which different incentives are effective, as well why different incentives are (not) effective. Researchers from the Engineering and Technology Institute at the University of Groningen will examine how to synergise and couple infrastructure for gas, electricity and heat, and develop control algorithms that enhance the efficiency, stability and sustainability of such integrated energy systems. Together, we will study how effective incentives can be integrated in the algorithms aimed to control integrated energy systems. Also, we will study which factors affect the willingness of users to accept and use the proposed integrated system functionalities. The project is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO).

Research team

University of Groningen: Thijs Bouman (Environmental Psychology), Stephanie Johnson-Zawadzki (Environmental Psychology), prof. dr. Jacquelien Scherpen (ENgineering and TEchnology institute Groningen), Laiz Souto de Carvalho (ENgineering and TEchnology institute Groningen), prof. dr. Linda Steg (Environmental Psychology; PI).

Private partners

Alliander, Enexis, and TNO.

Urban Smart Measures and Incentives for quality of Life Enhancement (U-SMILE)

Accessibility and sustainability are important conditions for vital and resilient cities, but are under pressure especially in urban areas. Congestion, local air quality, parking; these are different challenges that, however, have in common that effective solutions require behavioural change in addition to technological innovation. This project aims to develop, test and evaluate “smart” measures to affect behaviour. The measures are smart in the first place because they offer an innovative mix of negative and positive financial incentives, thus bypassing some of the main disadvantages of pricing (notably a very limited acceptability) and of rewarding (in particular limited budgets and induced demand). The measures are also smart because they have a highly innovative technological character, not only from the conceptual viewpoint (e.g. tradable driving permits) but also from the technological perspective (e.g. linking real time automated vehicle identification to virtual market environments). These smart measures will be studied from a multidisciplinary perspective, where forces are joined among economists, psychologists, traffic engineers and policy analysts, and will be evaluated from the perspectives of effectiveness, acceptability, and efficiency - paying attention to key urban challenges such as accessibility and environmental quality. The project has a very strong rooting in the urban reality as the case studies are undertaken jointly with Amsterdam Zuidas, Rotterdam, Groningen, and the Amsterdam ArenA area. In the psychological sub-project, we will study to what extent smart incentives can promote durable changes in a wide range of sustainable travel behaviours. We will examine the conditions under which smart incentives are likely to promote sustainable travel behaviour, and the processes that drive behaviour changes. We will study to what extent and how individual characteristics influence the effectiveness and acceptability of smart incentives. The project is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO).

Research team

VU Amsterdam, Spatial Economics: dr. Yue Bao, dr. Jasper Knockaert, dr. Paul Koster, prof. dr. Erik Verhoef (PI).

University of Groningen, Environmental Psychology: prof. dr. Linda Steg, dr. Ellen van der Werff, Nadja Zeiske.

Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences: dr. Victor Knoop, prof. dr. Hans van Lint.

Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management: Lizet Krabbenborg, dr. Eric Molin, prof. dr. Bert van Wee.

University of Applied Sciences Amsterdam, Faculty of Technology: Jan Dam, Milan Tamis, dr. Robert van den Hoed.

Private partners

Amsterdam Arena, De Verkeersondermeming, Gemeente Amsterdam, Groningen Bereikbaar, RijksWaterStaat, Zuidas, Zuidasdok.

Psychological, social and financial barriers to energy efficiency (PENNY)

PENNY aims to understand the behavioural mechanisms in energy efficiency, following an interdisciplinary behavioural science perspective. The project will study which psychological, social, economic, institutional and political factors influence energy efficiency in the residential and industry sector. We wil consider energy use, investment in energy efficoent products, as well as renovation of buildings. The project is funded by the EU, Horizon2020.

Research team 

Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM), Italy: dr. Christina Catteneo, Prof. dr. Massimo Tavoni, Mariaester Cassinelli.

Swiss Federal Inistitute of Technology (ETH), Züricht, Switzerland: prof. dr. Massimo Filippini, dr. Julia Blasch, dr. Nina Boogen.

Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster (WWU), Germany: prof. dr. Andreas Löschel, Martin Baikowski, Matthias Rodemeier.

University of Groningen, the Netherlands: prof. dr. Linda Steg, dr. Ellen van der Werff.

University of Debrecen (UD), Hungary: prof. dr. Imre Kovách, dr. Boldizsár Megyesi, dr. Czibere Ibolya.

Politechnico di Milano (PMI), Italy: prof. dr. Piero Fraternali.

Private partners

Eni (Italy), ePRICE (Italy), Stadtwerk (Switzerland), Grünspar (Germany), Qurrent (The Netherlands).

Publications based on this project:

Namazkhan, M., Albers, C., & Steg, L. (2020). A decision tree method for explaining household gas consumption: The role of building characteristics, socio-demographic variables, psychological factors and household behaviour. Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, 119, 109542. doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2019.109542

Namazkhan, M., Albers, C., & Steg, L. (2019). The role of environmental values, socio-demographics and building characteristics in setting room temperatures in winter. Energy, 171, 1183-1192. doi: 10.1016/j.energy.2019.01.113.

Effective and acceptable energy management systems and user interfaces to match energy demand and supply

This project aims to develop an energy managing system and related user interface that can match demand and supply from various energy sources and that is likely to be adopted and properly employed by (potential) users. Future energy systems will integrate energy from various sources, that can be tailored to user preferences. To secure efficiency of the system, the system requires almost continuous decisions making. We will study the impact of user autonomy versus system automatisation in these decisions, as well as the effects of feedback to encourage energy conservation. We will collaborate with researchers from the faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of the University of Groningen, in order to design effective and acceptable user interfaces. The project is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO).

Research team

University of Groningen: prof. dr. Marco Aiello (Distributed systems), dr. Laura Fiorini (Distributed systems), Nieke Lemmen, MSc (Environmental Psychology), prof. dr. Linda Steg (Environmental Psychology; PI).

Private partners

GasTerra b.v., Gemeente Groningen, Groninger Economy Service Company (Gresco), Provincie Groningen, Sustainable Buildings B.V.

Smart Farmer Grid 2.0

This project aims to study the optimal design of a smart grid infrastructure in rural argicultural areas. We will study techonological, rural, social and behavioural aspects that promote the efficiency of rural smart energy infrastructures. The project is funded by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). 

Research team

University of Groningen, Environmental Psychology: dr. N. Contzen, dr. Lise Jans, prof. dr. Linda Steg.

Private partners

Enexis, LTO Noord, L'orèl Consultancy.

Developing socially responsible innovations: The role of values and moral emotions

This project aims to develop an innovative emotion-based design perspective for socially responsible innovations that are acceptable and justifiable on ethical grounds. This is important considering the emotional controversies with regard to many societal challenges related to climate change, energy and resource use, and water and food security. Emotions are commonly seen as “irrational” in decision-making. Traditional approaches aim at inducing positive responses to innovations, but they typically neglect values and moral considerations underlying emotional responses, making these approaches less effective and even ethically dubious. We propose that people’s important values predict their emotional responses to innovations, which in turn drive public acceptability. Values and emotions can therefore play a constructive role in developing socially responsible innovations. Our perspective is relevant for many sectors and different (cultural) contexts, since we examine general ethical principles and emotional processes. Therefore, we collaborate with private partners that are active in different sectors where controversial innovations are being developed. We will develop guidelines on how to incorporate values and emotions in developing socially responsible innovations. This is pivotal for developing new governance models targeting socially responsible innovations. The project is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO).

Research team

University of Groningen, Environmental Psychology: dr. Nadja Contzen, dr. Goda Perlaviciute, prof. dr. Linda Steg (PI).

Delft University of Technology, Ethics and Philosophy of Technology: dr. Nicole Huijts, prof. dr. Sabine Roeser.

Private partners

Ballast Nedam Concessies, De Breed & Partners, De Gemeynt, HollandBIO, IHC Offshore & Marine, Nogepa, Royal HaskoningDHV, Waterbedrijf Groningen.

Valorisation panel

Energy Academy Groningen, Gasunie, Ministerie van IenM, OcfamNovib, Vereniging van de Nederlandse Chemische Industrie.

Publications based on this project:

Perlaviciute, G., Steg, L., Contzen, N., Roeser, S., & Huijts, N. (2018). Emotional responses to energy projects: Insights for responsible decision making in a sustainable energy transition. Sustainability, 10, 2526. doi:10.3390/su10072526.

Acceptability of a sustianable energy transition

This project aims to study which factors affect public support for a sustainable energy transition, including the acceptability of energy sources, sustainable energy technologies, energy infrastructures (including smart grids, and energy policies. We will study the role of individual factors (such as values, familiarity, knowledge) and contextual factors (including characteristics of energy sources, technologies, infrastructure, policies), as well as the role of fairness, justice, and compensation strategies. The projeect is funded by the Green Deal, a public-private partnership.

Research team

University of Groningen, Environmental Psychology: dr. Goda Perlaviciute, Elliot Sharpe, MSc, prof. dr. Linda Steg, Leonie Vrieling, MSc.

Publications based on this project:

Liu, L., Bouman, T., Perlaviciute, G., & Steg, L. (2019). Effects of trust and public participation on acceptability of renewable energy projects in the Netherlands and China. Energy Research & Social Science, 53, 137-144. doi: 10.1016/j.erss.2019.03.006

BeijIng Groningen Smart energy cities (BIGS)

Smart cities anticipate sustainable prosperity of their citizens. In order to accomplish this objective, the current development of cities is undergoing drastic technological shifts that need to be followed by innovative regulatory and behavioural changes with the final goal of increasing sustainability of cities. These changes require a strategy that integrates multiple disciplines and provides a comprehensive understanding and support from a psychological, technological and economic perspective. We propose an interdisciplinary framework that uses innovative and smart technologies to understand and promote sustainable use of energy and aid effective decisions by end-users. The project is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO).

Research team

University of Groningen: prof. dr. Marco Aiello (Distributed Systems, PI), dr. Thijs Bouman (Environmental Psychology), prof. dr. Linda Steg (Environmental Psychology, PI), dr. Berfu Ünal (Environmental Psychology).

Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Institute of Industrial Economics: prof. dr. Mei Bai, prof. dr. Pengfie Li, prof. dr. Dan Shi (PI), prof. dr. Xiaohua Xia, Yuting Li, Lei Wang.

Individual and contextual factors influencing recycling 

This project aims to study how individual factors, such as perceived costs and benefits and moral motivations, and contextual factors, such as characteristics of waste collection systems, affect recycling behaivour. The project is part of a large multidisciplinary project on sustainable packages. The project is funded by TI Food and Nutrition.

Research team

Wageningen University & Research: dr. Marieke Brouwer, Nigel Steenis, MSc, dr. Ulphard Thoden van Velzen, dr. Erica van Herpen, dr. Ivo van der Lans, prof. dr. Hans van Trijp.

University of Groningen, Environmental Psychology: Josefine Geiger, MSc, prof. dr. Linda Steg, dr. A.B. Unal, dr. Ellen van der Werff.

University of Twente, Design, Production & Management: Bjorn de Koeijer, MSc, prof. dr. Jörg Henseler, dr. Maaike Mulder-Nijkamp.

TNO: dr. Tom Ligthart.

Privater partners

Kennisinstituut Duurzaam Verpakken (KIDV).

Publications based on this project:

Geiger, J., Steg, L., Van der Werff, E., & Ünal, A.B. (2019).  A meta-analysis of factors related to recycling. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 64, 78-97. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2019.05.004

The power of the neighbourhood: the success and spreading of bottom-up initiatives at the energy market 

This project aims to examine individual and social factors influencing the success and spreading of local sustainable energy initiatives that encourage local residents to reduce their CO2 emissions by adopting renewable energy sources and engaging in energy saving behaviours. The project is funded by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). 

Publications based on this project:

Bhushan, N., Mohnert, F., Jans, L., Sloot, D., Albers, C., & Steg, L. (2019). Using a Gaussian Graphical Model to explore relationships between items and variables in environmental psychology research. Frontiers in Psychology, 10: 1050. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01050

Sloot, D., Jans, L., & Steg, L. (2017). The potential of environmental community initiatives: A social psychological perspective. In: Römpke, A.-K., Reese, G., Fritsche, I., Wiersbinski, N., & Mues, A.W. (Eds.), Outlooks on applying environmental psychology research (pp. 27-34). Bonn: BfN.

Sloot, D., Jans, L., & Steg, L. (2018). Can community energy initiatives motivate sustainable energy behaviours? The role of initiative involvement and personal pro-environmental motivation. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 57, 99-106. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2018.06.007.

Sloot, D., Jans, L., & Steg, L. (2019). In it for the money, the environment, or the community? Motives for being involved in community energy initiatives. Global Environmental Change, 57, 101936. doi: 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2019.101936

User behaviour and mobility patterns in the context of major societal trends 

This project aims to investigate the current trends and needs in mobility within the EU. We will study to what extent the fulfilment of key psychological needs is accomplished by current mobility services among different groups in the EU (including the elderly), and what is needed to improve sustainable mobility among vulnerable road users. The project is funded by the EU, Horizon2020.

Realizing the smart grid: aligning consumer behaviour with technological opportunities

This project aims to examine which individual factors predict, explain, and influence consumer adoption and use of smart energy technologies that will result in a reduction of uncertainty in smart energy systems. The project is conducted by a multidisciplinary team of psychologists and innovations scientists. The project is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO).

Peters, A.M., Van der Werff, E., & Steg, L. (2018). Beyond purchasing: Electric vehicle adoption motivations and consistent sustainable energy behaviour in The Netherlands. Energy Research & Social Science, 39, 234-247. doi: 10.1016/j.erss.2017.10.008

Peters, A.M., Van der Werff, E., & Steg, L. (2019). Mind the gap: The implications of not acting in line with your planned actions after installing solar photovoltaics. Frontiers in Psychology: Environmental Psychology, 10: 1423. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01423

Public support for gas production in the province of Groningen, The Netherlands

This project aims to examine people’s opinion about gas production in the province of Groningen, including perceptions and evaluations of risks and benefits of gas production, and trust in gas production companies and local and national governments.

Publictions based on this project:

Perlaviciute, G., & Steg, L. (2015). The influence of values on evaluations of energy alternatives. Renewable Energy, 77, 259-267.

Perlaviciute, G., & Steg, L. (2014). Contextual and psychological factors shaping evaluations and acceptability of energy alternatives: Integrated review and research agenda. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 35, 361-381.

Perlaviciute, G., Steg, L., Vrieling, L., & Hoekstra, E.J. (2017). Perceived risks, emotions and policy preferences: A longitudinal survey among the local population on gas quakes in the Netherlands. Energy Research & Social Science, 29, 1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.erss.2017.04.012

Acceptability of gas in future energy systems

This project aims to study factors influencing the acceptability of gas in future energy systems. Among others, we consider the perceived advantages and disadvantages of gas now and in the future, and trust in gas production companies. The project is funded by the Topconsortia Knowledge and Innovation Gas (in Dutch: Topconsortia voor Kennis en Innovatie Gas) and Gasunie, the Netherlands.

Publictions based on this project:

Perlaviciute, G., Steg, L., & Hoekstra, E. J. (2016). Is gas perceived as sustainable? Insights from value-driven evaluations in the Netherlands. Energy Research & Social Science, 20, 55-62. doi: 10.1016/j.erss.2016.06.002

Smart grid - profitable for all

This project aims to develop and test innovative smart grid concepts that will promote the smart use of locally produced solar power and speed up the transition to sustainable renewable energy systems. We aim to facilitate households to manage their energy demand and supply as to optimise the use of locally generated solar power, which will ultimately reduce CO2 emissions. The project is funded by the municipalities of Utrecht and Amersfoort, and the province of Utrecht, and conducted by a large multidisciplinary team in which business organisations, consultants as well as scientists collaborate. For more information: http://www.smartgridtv.nl/

Publications based on this project:

Noppers, E.H., Keizer, K., Milovanovic, M., & Steg, L. (2016). The importance of instrumental, symbolic, and environmental attributes for the adoption of smart energy systems. Energy Policy, 98, 12-18. doi: 10.1016/j.enpol.2016.08.007

Van der Werff, E., & Steg, L. (2016). The psychology of participation and interest in smart energy systems: Comparing the value-belief-norm theory and the value-identity-personal norm model. Energy Research & Social Science, 22, 107-114. doi: 10.1016/j.erss.2016.08.022

Low Carbon at Work - LOCAW 

LOCAW aims to advance our understanding of the drivers of and barriers to sustainable lifestyles by an integrative investigation of the determinants of everyday practices and behaviours within large scale organisations. We will study which societal, organisational and individual factors affect environmental behaviour at the workplace, and the relationship between environmental behaviours at work and at home. 

LOCAW will examine large organizations in the public as well as the private sector, including light as well as heavy industry. The research will be undertaken in six countries: Italy, Romania, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands and the UK. The research will be undertaken by a multidisciplinary team working in the areas of psychology, sociology, geography, business studies, and artificial intelligence. LOCAW is funded by the European Union FP7 Programme. The total budget for this project add up to € 1,9 million. For more information: http://www.locaw-fp7.com/

Publications based on this project:

Lindenberg, S., & Steg, L. (2013). What makes organizations in market democracies adopt environmentally-friendly policies?. In: A.H. Huffman & S.R. Klein (Eds.), Green Organizations: Driving Change with IO Psychology (pp. 93-114). New York, NY: Routledge.

Ruepert, A.M., Steg, L., & Keizer, K. (2015). Theoretical basis for organizational pro-environmental research. In: J.L. Robertson & J. Barling (Eds.), The psychology of green organizations (pp. 33-57). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Ruepert, A., Keizer, K., Steg, L., Maricchiolo, F., Carrus, G., Dumitru, A., García Mira, R., Stancu, A., & Moza, D. (2016). Environmental considerations in the organizational context: A pathway to pro-environmental behaviour at work. Energy Research & Social Science, 17, 59-70. doi:10.1016/j.erss.2016.04.004

Ruepert, A.M., Keizer, K., & Steg, L. (2017). The relationship between Corporate Environmental Responsibility, employees' biospheric values and pro-environmental behaviour at work. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 54, 65-78. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2017.10.006

Ruepert, A., & Steg, L. (2018). Environmental considerations as a basis for employee pro-environmental behaviour. In V.K. Wells, D. Gregory-Smith & D. Manika (Eds.), Research handbook on employee pro-environmental behaviour (pp.106-127). Cheltenham: Edward Elgar.

Creating Innovative Sustainability Pathways - CRISP

CRISP seeks to identify potential pathways that will aid the EU towards the transition to a sustainable, low carbon Europe. To meet this challenge, CRISP reviews current policies and practical case studies to figure out where we are at the moment. We then plan to develop and evaluate alternative scenarios for the future so that we than can find ways in which we can bridge the gap between where we are today, and where specifically we want to be in the future. A key feature of CRISP is the involvement and participation with school pupils, as well as experts and individuals, companies and governments. We are funded by FP7, the European Union Framework 7 research programme and are a team of partners from Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway and UK.
For more information: http://www.crisp-futures.eu/

Publications based on this project:

Venhoeven, L.A., Bolderdijk, J.W., & Steg, L. (2013). Explaining the paradox: How pro-environmental behaviour can both thwart and foster well-being. Sustainability, 5, 1372-1386. doi:10.3390/su5041372.

Venhoeven, L.A., Bolderdijk, J.W., & Steg, L. (2016). Why acting environmentally-friendly feels good: Exploring the role of self-image. Frontiers in Psychology, 7, 1846. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01846

Venhoeven, L., Steg, L., & Bolderdijk, J.W. (2016). Can engagement in environmentally-friendly behavior increase well-being? In G. Fleury-Bahi, E. Pol, & O. Navarro (Eds.), Handbook of Environmental Psychology and quality of life research (pp. 229-237). Cham: Springer. DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-31416-7_13

MApping the contextual Conditions of REsilient Decentralized Energy Systems - MACREDES.

MACREDES studies factors influencing the promotion and success of decentralised energy systems and on the transition from a conventional to a more sustainable energy system. We will study technological, economic, social and spatial characteristics of decentralised energy systems in an integrated way. MACREDES is funded by the EDGaR (Energy Delta Gas Research) program.

For more information: http://www.edgar-program.com/ 

Publications based on this project:

Noppers, E.H., Keizer, K.E., Bolderdijk, J.W., & Steg, L. (2014). The adoption of sustainable innovations: driven by symbolic and environmental motives. Global Environmental Change, 25, 52-62. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2014.01.012

Leijten, F.R.M., Bolderdijk, J.W., Keizer, K., Gorsira, M., Van der Werff, E., & Steg, L. (2014). Factors that influence consumers' acceptance of future energy systems: The effects of adjustment type, production level, and price. Energy Efficiency, 7, 973-985. DOI 10.1007/s12053-014-9271-9.

The feasibility and impact of the transition to electric mobility in the Randstad

This project aims to understand barriers and enablers for the transition to electric cars. We will address two main questions:  

1. To what extent is a transition to electric vehicles acceptable to consumers, and how will such a transition influence car ownership and car use? (Project 1).
2. Which factors are of crucial importance for the position of non-consumer stakeholders with respect to electric vehicles, and which policy strategies could stimulate these actors to cooperate so as to realize a successful introduction of electric vehicles? (Project 2).

The project is conducted by a multidisciplinary team of economists, psychologists, and transport policy researchers. The project is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO). For more information: http://www.nwo.nl/nwohome.nsf/pages/NWOP_8A7JF7

Publications based on this project:

Bockarjova, M., Knockaert, J., Rietveld, P., & Steg, L. (2015). De (toe)komst van elektrische auto’s in Nederland: voorkeuren van consumenten door het adoptieproces heen. Tijdschrift Vervoerswetenschap, 51 (2), 40-67.

Bockarjova, M., & Steg, L. (2014). Can Protection Motivation Theory predict pro-environmental behavior? Explaining the adoption of electric vehicles in the Netherlands. Global Environmental Change, 28, 276-288. DOI: 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2014.06.010

Noppers, E., Keizer, K.E., Bockarjova, M., & Steg, L. (2015). The adoption of sustainable innovations: The role of instrumental, environmental, and symbolic attributes for earlier and later adopters. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 44, 74-84. doi:10.1016/j.jenvp.2015.09.002

Electric vehicles: early stage adoption processes 

Most research in the area of Electrical Vehicles (EVs) focuses on technical issues like battery capacity and charging systems. Much less attention is paid to the links between EVs and the wider society, including non-technical issues. In this proposal we focus on the early stages of (potential) market penetration of EVs, and in particular the role of early adopters (consumers and others). We aim (1) to understand the behaviour of crucial actors for the market introduction of EVs (2) to identify barriers and enablers for innovations in the first stage (3) to identify the role of actors in the ‘environment’ of early adopters (e.g. governments, firms, consumers), for these enablers and barriers. Project 1 “innovation transitions from an economic perspective” focuses on the behaviour of early adopters from an (evolutionary) economic systems perspective. Project 2 “innovation transitions from a behavioural-psychological perspective” studies the motivational factors influencing early adoption. Project 3 “the environment of early adopters from an innovation’s perspective” examines the role of crucial actors in the ‘environment’ of early adopters from the perspective of dynamic enablers and barriers’. Project 4, the integrative project, translates the findings to innovation theory, and to the EV arena, wider society and policy makers. We will use insights and approaches from innovation theories, evolutionary economics, several psychological theories (including the theory of the meaning of material possessions and goal framing theory), political economy, and management theories. Methods used include literature research, joint questionnaires, interviews, analysis of innovations in the past, modelling, and actor analysis.

The project is conducted by a multidisciplinary team of economists, psychologists, and transport policy researchers. The project is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO). For more information: http://www.nwo.nl/projecten.nsf/vk2010/ned/2300158424

Publications based on this project:

Noppers, E.H., Keizer, K.E., Bolderdijk, J.W., & Steg, L. (2014). The adoption of sustainable innovations: driven by symbolic and environmental motives. Global Environmental Change, 25, 52-62. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2014.01.012

Noppers, E., Keizer, K.E., Bockarjova, M., & Steg, L. (2015). The adoption of sustainable innovations: The role of instrumental, environmental, and symbolic attributes for earlier and later adopters. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 44, 74-84. doi:10.1016/j.jenvp.2015.09.002

Noppers, E.H., Keizer, K., Milovanovic, M., & Steg, L. (2016). The importance of instrumental, symbolic, and environmental attributes for the adoption of smart energy systems. Energy Policy, 98, 12-18. doi: 10.1016/j.enpol.2016.08.007

Tailored information technology to reduce residential energy use

This project aims to study effective ways to reduce household energy use via, taking into account thermal comfort, energy use behaviour, and technology, and their interactions. Also, we will study important preconditions for the effective introduction of monitoring and control technologies to manage household energy use. Among others, we will study the effects of different types of feedback on household energy use.

The project is conducted by a team of human biologists, technologists, and psychologists. The project is funded by AgentschapNL, EOS Long term research projects

For more information: http://www.agentschapnl.nl/content/intewon-individu-gerichte-informatie-technologie-voor-energiezuinig-wonen

Publications based on this project:

Taufik, D., Bolderdijk, J.W., & Steg, L. (2015). Acting green elicits a literal ‘warm glow’. Nature Climate Change, 5, 37-40. doi:10.1038/nclimate2449.

Taufik, D., Bolderdijk, J.W., & Steg, L. (2016). Going green? The relative importance of feelings over calculation in driving environmental intent in the Netherlands and the United States. Energy Research & Social Science, 22, 52-62. doi: 10.1016/j.erss.2016.08.012

Psychological aspects of future electricity supply: the role of Smart Storage

This project aimed to study factors influencing the acceptability of future renewable energy supply, and the acceptability of smart control systems. The project was funded by Alliander, the total budget was € 65,000.

Publications based on this project:

Bolderdijk, J.W., Gorsira, M., Keizer, K., & Steg, L. (2013). Values determine the (in)effectiveness of informational interventions in promoting pro-environmental behavior. PLoS ONE, 8 (12): e83911. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0083911.

Leijten, F.R.M., Bolderdijk, J.W., Keizer, K., Gorsira, M., Van der Werff, E., & Steg, L. (2014). Factors that influence consumers' acceptance of future energy systems: The effects of adjustment type, production level, and price. Energy Efficiency, 7, 973-985. DOI 10.1007/s12053-014-9271-9.

Evaluation of energy-efficient street lighting

This project aimed to study the effects of energy-efficient (i.e., LED) street lighting on preceived safety, and the acceptability of energy efficient street lighting. The project was funded by the municipality of Assen, the total budget was € 65,000.

Publications based on this project:

Boomsma, C., & Steg, L. (2014). Feeling safe in the dark: Examining the effect of entrapment, lighting levels, and gender on feelings of safety and lighting policy acceptability. Environment and Behavior, 46 (2), 193-212. DOI: 10.1177/0013916512453838.

Boomsma, C., & Steg, L. (2014). The effect of information and values on acceptability of reduced street lighting Journal of Environmental Psychology, 39, 22-31. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2013.11.004.

Innovative Pricing for Sustainable Mobility - i-PriSM

This research investigates how innovative pricing can contribute to achieving a more sustainable transport system, taking a broad perspective that encompasses multiple modes (notably road and public transport), multiple technologies within a mode ( e.g. electric vs. conventional fuel cars ), multiple actors (travellers and major stakeholders), and interactions between infrastructure and urban networks; and that considers the implementation and transition phase explicitly. This study takes a systems perspective. For effects assessment this includes transport-specific issues like interactions between road and public transport performance and pricing, but also mutual interactions with spatial urban markets (labour, housing, location). For acceptability research, this includes the explicit consideration of (strategic) behaviour of lobby groups, (local) governments, and other institutions. And for studying price setting, this involves the consideration of multiple (local or national) governments and/or multiple private road operators, competing on the same network.

The project is conducted by a multidisciplinary team of economists, psychologists, and transport researchers. The project is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO).

For more information: http://www.nwo.nl/nwohome.nsf/pages/NWOP_7YJBF3

Publications based on this project:

Bolderdijk, J.W., Van der Werff, E., & Steg, L. (2016). De psychologische effecten van prijsprikkels. Tijdschrift Vervoerswetenschap, 52 (1), 3-17.

Bolderdijk, J.W., & Steg, L. (2015). Promoting sustainable consumption: The risks of using financial incentives. In: L.A. Reisch & J. Thøgersen (Eds.), Handbook of research in sustainable consumption (pp. 328-342). Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar.

Governance, Infrastructure, Lifestyle Dynamics and Energy Demand: European post-carbon communities - GILDED

The overall goal of GILDED is to identify social, economic, cultural and political changes which could help rural and urban households in Europe consume less energy. While technological innovation can make low-carbon energy sources economically and environmentally viable, their impact in reducing carbon-intensive energy use will depend critically on broad public and political commitment to such a reduction. GILDED will target socio-economic, cultural and political influences on individual and household energy consumption through five regional case studies. Each case study focuses on a medium-sized city along with nearby rural areas. Investigating individuals’ lifestyle choices and their understanding of energy issues will provide insights into patterns of energy-related behaviours characterising emergent lifestyle types, and the particular drivers impacting on consumption decisions. The social, cultural and political contexts in which these behaviours are embedded will be addressed through analysis of the structural factors and actors (from local to EU level), including governance networks, physical environments, and materialized and institutionalized transport and provisioning networks. This combined ‘top down’ and ‘bottom-up’ perspective on household consumption will be utilised to inform the analysis of an energy-reduction initiative or experiment in each case study region. Principles derived from the lifestyle, structural and initiative studies will be utilised to structure agent-based models of policy implementation and change response.

GILDED is a three year collaborative research project funded through European Union Framework Programme Seven, running from December 2008-2011. For more information: www.gildedeu.org

Publications based on this project:

Van der Werff, E., & Steg, L. (2015). One model to predict them all: Predicting energy behaviours with the norm activation model. Energy Research & Social Science, 6, 8-14. doi: 10.1016/j.erss.2014.11.002

Van der Werff, E., & Steg, L. (2016). The psychology of participation and interest in smart energy systems: Comparing the value-belief-norm theory and the value-identity-personal norm model. Energy Research & Social Science, 22, 107-114. doi: 10.1016/j.erss.2016.08.022

Van der Werff, E., Steg, L., & Keizer, K.E. (2013). It is a moral issue: The relationship between environmental self-identity, obligation-based intrinsic motivation and pro-environmental behaviour. Global Environmental Change, 23, 1258-1265. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2013.07.018.

Van der Werff, E., Steg, L., & Keizer, K.E. (2013). The value of environmental self-identity: The relationship between biospheric values, environmental self-identity and environmental preferences, intentions and behavior. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 34, 55-63. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2012.12.006.

Van der Werff, E., Steg, L., & Keizer, K. (2014). Follow the signal: When past pro-environmental actions signal who you are. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 40, 273-282. DOI 10.1016/jenvp.2014.07.004

Van der Werff, E., Steg, L., & Keizer, K.E. (2014). I am what I am, by looking past the present: The influence of biospheric values and past behaviour on environmental self-identity. Environment and Behavior, 46 (5), 626-657. DOI: 10.1177/0013916512475209.

Barriers for energy changes among end consumers and households - BARENERGY

The EU project BARENERGY aims to identify the relevance and strengths of various barriers for energy behaviour changes among end consumers and households, and to discuss how activities from political authorities, energy producers and NGOs can overcome these barriers.
It will address changes in consumer behaviour along two dimensions. The first is energy saving and improvement of energy efficiency within households, the second is changes toward more sustainable and renewable energy technologies. It is also concerned about the relationship between these three strategies; turn down and switch off, the purchase of energyefficient appliances, and shift to (more) sustainable energy carriers. BARENERGY combines an individual and institutional approach. This means that individual and household energy behaviour and changes in this behaviour can only be understood by countries with a substantial variation in institutional structure considering individual values, attitudes, norms and knowledge among individuals together with the context in which this behaviour takes place. For this reason, countries with a substantial variation in institutional structure, such as variations in energy providers, were chosen.

Barenergy was funded by the European Commission, FP7, and conducted by a multidisciplinary team with researchers from Norway, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the UK.

For more information: http://www.barenergy.eu

Publications based on this project:

De Groot, J.I.M., Steg, L., Keizer, M., Farsang, A., & Watt, A. (2012). Environmental values in post-socialist Hungary: Is it useful to distinguish egoistic, altruistic and biospheric values? Czech Sociological Review , 48 (3),421-440.

Keizer, M., Sargission, R., Van Zomeren, M., & Steg, L. (2019). When personal norms predict the acceptability of push and pull car-reduction policies: Testing the ABC model and low-cost hypothesis. Transportation Research F, 64, 413-423. doi: 10.1016/j.trf.2019.06.005

Acceptability and perceived risks and benefits of nuclear energy

This project aimed to study the acceptability of nuclear energy in the Netherlands, and the perceived risks and benefits of nuclear energy. We particularly considered how values affect the perceived risks and benefits, and which factors predict the likelihood that people engage in collective action to promote or prevent the use of nuclear energy.

Publications based on this project:

De Groot, J.I.M., Steg, L., & Poortinga, W. (2013). Values, perceived risks and benefits, and acceptability of nuclear energy. Risk Analysis, 33 (2), 307-317. DOI: 10.1111/j.1539-6924.2012.01845.x

De Groot, J.I.M., & Steg, L. (2010). Morality and nuclear energy: Perceptions of risks and benefits, personal norms and willingness to take action related to nuclear energy. Risk Analysis, 30, 1363-1373.

Pay as you drive

This project aimed to study the acceptability and effects of a pay-as-you-drive vehicle insurance from an integrated multidisciplinary perspective. The project was funded by Transumo and conducted by a multidisciplinary team of economists, psychologists, and transport researchers.

Publications based on this project:

Bolderdijk, J.W., Knockaert, J., Steg, E.M., & Verhoef, E.T. (2011). Effects of Pay-As-You-Drive vehicle insurance on young drivers' speed choice: Results of a Duch field experiment . Accident Analysis and Prevention, 43, 1181-1186.

A multi-disciplinary study of pricing policies in transport - MD-PIT

This project aimed at providing a theoretical and empirical evaluation of the direct and indirect effects of practically possible transport pricing policies from a multidisciplinary perspective. The effects studied included behavioural responses and their consequences, also from a spatial and a network perspective, as well as acceptability issues of various pricing and tax recycling schemes. The evaluation included the derivation and formulation of policy implications. Specific features of the project included the focus on dynamic aspects (both short and long run), the recognition of heterogeneity (i.e. the consideration of different groups), and the explicit choice for a network and spatial perspective.

The project was conducted by a multidisciplinary team of economists, psychologists, and transport researchers and funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO).

For more information: http://www.feweb.vu.nl/nl/afdelingen-en-instituten/spatial-economics/i-prism/related-projects/md-pit/index.asp

Publications based on this project:

Schuitema, G., Steg, L., & Van Kruining, M. (2011). When are transport policies fair and acceptable? The role of six fairness principles. Social Justice Research, 24, 66-84.

Schuitema, G., Steg, L., & Rothengatter, J.A. (2010). Relationship between the acceptability, personal outcome expectations and the expected effects of transport pricing policies. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 30, 587-593.

Schuitema, G., Steg, L., & Forward, S. (2010).Explaining differences in acceptability before and acceptance after the implementation of a congestion charge in Stockholm. Transportation Research-A: Policy and Practice, 44, 99-109.

Schuitema, G., & Steg, L. (2010). Een psychologisch perspectief op prijsbeleid in verkeer en vervoer. Een terug- en vooruitblik na 7 jaar (A psychological perspective on pricing policies in traffic and transport. Looking back and ahead after 7 years). Tijdschrift Vervoersswetenschap (Journal of Transport Science), 46 , 122-123.

Schuitema, G., & Steg, L. (2008). The role of revenue use in the acceptability of transport pricing policies. Transportation Research F: Psychology and Behaviour, 11, 221-231.

Steg, L., Tillema, T., Van Wee, B., & Schuitema, G. (2008). Firms’ perception and acceptability of transport pricing. In: E. Verhoef, B. Van Wee, L. Steg, & M. Bliemer (Eds.), Pricing in road transport: A multi-disciplinary perspective (pp. 250-269).  Cheltenham, UK and Northampton, MA, USA: Edward Elgar.

Steg, L., Verhoef, E., Bliemer, M., & Van Wee, B. (2008). Introduction. In: E. Verhoef, B. Van Wee, L. Steg, & M. Bliemer (Eds.), Pricing in road transport: A multi-disciplinary perspective (pp. 1-5). Cheltenham, UK and Northampton, MA, USA: Edward Elgar.

Schuitema, G., Steg, L., & Vlek, C. (2007). Are pricing policies effective to change car use? IATSS Research, 31 (1), 21-31. 

Steg, L., & Schuitema, G. (2007). Behavioural responses to transport pricing: a theoretical analysis. In: T. Gärling & L. Steg (Eds.), Threats to the quality of urban life from car traffic: problems, causes, and solutions (pp. 347-366). Amsterdam: Elsevier.

Steg, L., Verhoef, E., Bliemer, M., Joksimovic, D., Schuitema, G., Tillema, T., Ubbels, B., Van Amelsfort, D., & Van Wee, B. (2006). Een multidisciplinair perspectief op prijsbeleid in verkeer en vervoer: MD PIT (A multi-disciplinary study of pricing policies in transport: MD PIT). Tijdschrift Vervoerswetenschap (Journal of Transport Science), 42 (2), 26-32.

Steg, L., & Schuitema, G. (2003). Een psychologisch perspectief op prijsbeleid in verkeer en vervoer (A psychological perspective on transport pricing). Tijdschrift Vervoerswetenschap (Journal of Transport Science), 39 (4), 23-28.

Assess implementations in the frame of the Cities-of-Tomorrow Programme

The main objective of ASI was to provide knowledge about the practice of life quality assessment by dif­ferent disciplines in connection with different types of public measures in the area of town planning and design, transportation and mobility.

The project was funded by the European Commission, FP5, and conducted by a team of researchers from Austria, the Czech Republic, Italy, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

For more information: http://www.factum.at/asi/

Publications based on this project:

De Groot, J., & Steg, L. (2008). Value orientations to explain beliefs related to environmental significant behavior: How to measure egoistic, altruistic, and biospheric value orientations. Environment and Behavior, 40 (3), 330-354.

Steg, L., & De Groot, J.I.M. (2008). Transport planning and quality of life. In: U. Becker, J. Böhmer & R. Gerike (Eds.), How to define and measure access and need satisfaction in transport (pp.79-94). Dresden: Dresder Institut für Verkehr und Umwelt e.V.

Steg, L., De Groot, J., Forward, S., Kaufmann, C., Risser, R., Schmeidler, K., Martincigh, L., & Urbani, L. (2007). Assessing life quality in transport planning and urban design: definition, operationalisation, assessment and implementation. In: S. Marshall & D. Banister (Eds.), Land use and transport. European research towards integrated policies (pp. 217-243).Amsterdam: Elsevier.

De Groot, J., & Steg, L. (2007b). Value orientations and environmental beliefs in five countries: Validity of an instrument to measure egoistic, altruistic and biospheric value orientations. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 38 (3), 318-332.

De Groot, J., & Steg, L. (2006a). Impact of transport pricing on quality of life, acceptability, and intentions to reduce car use: an explorative study in five European countries. Journal of Transport Geography, 14 (6), 463-470.

De Groot, J., & Steg, L. (2006b). The role of value orientations in evaluating quality of life consequences of a transport pricing policy. Transportation Research Part D, 11 (2), 160-165.

Reducing household energy use via tailoring

This project aimed at studying the effects of tailored information and feedack, provided by an interactive website, would be effective in realising household energy savings.

The project was conducted by a multidisciplinary team of energy scientists, computer scientists, and psychologists, and funded by the Dutch Knowledge Centre for Energy and the Environment (NOVEM).

Publications based on this project:

Abrahamse, W., & Steg, L. (2011). Factors related to household energy use and intention to reduce it: The role of psychological and socio-demographic variables. Human Ecology Review, 18 (1), 30-40.

Abrahamse, W., Steg, L., Vlek, Ch., Rothengatter, T. (2005). A review of intervention studies aimed at household energy conservation. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 25, 273-291.

Promoting household energy savings: The influence of information, feedback and commitment on household energy use

This projected was aimed at studying the effect of information, feedback and commitment on household energy savings, psychological backgrounds, and individual quality of life.

The project was conducted by a multidisciplinary team of energy scientists, computer scientists, and psychologists, and funded by the Dutch Knowledge Centre for Energy and the Environment (NOVEM).

Publications based on this project:

Abrahamse, W., & Steg, L. (2009). How do socio-demographic and psychological factors relate to households' direct and indirect energy use and savings? Journal of Economic Psychology, 30, 711-720.

Abrahamse, W., Steg, L., Vlek, Ch., Rothengatter, T. (2007). The effect of tailored information, goal setting and tailored feedback on household energy use, energy-related behaviors and behavioral antecedents. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 27, 265-276.

Symbolic and affective motives for car use

Three successive research aimed at studying the significance of symbolic and affective motives for car use. The projects were funded by the Transport Research Centre of the Dutch Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management and by the Dutch Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment.

Publications based on this project:

Steg, L. (2005). Car use: lust and must. Instrumental, symbolic and affective motives for car use. Transportation Research-A, 39 (2-3), 147-162.

Steg, L. (2004). Car use: lust and must. In: T. Rothengatter & R.D. Huguenin (Eds.), Traffic and transport psychology: theory and application (pp. 443-452) Amsterdam: Elsevier.

Steg, L., Vlek, C., & Slotegraaf, G. (2001). Instrumental-reasoned and symbolic-affective motives for using a motor car. Transportation Research-F: Psychology and Behaviour, 4 (3), 151-169.

Steg, L., & Vlek, C. (1999). Autogebruik: must en lust. Instrumentele en affectieve motieven voor autogebruik (Car use: must and lust. Instrumental and affective motives for car use). Tijdschrift Vervoerswetenschap (Journal of Transport Science), 4 , 303-322.