Using Algorithmic Nudges to Save Energy and Water: A Proposal for a Longitudinal Field Experiment

Energy and water consumption are significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions. While facilitating conservation behaviors in private households can help to mitigate these emissions, the effects of such mitigations are often indirect and delayed. Presenting meaningful feedback about consumption can help to make clear the positive effects of conservation behaviors to those who undertake them. We propose a large-scale field experiment to increase energy and water conservation through algorithmic eco-nudges. We use smart metering data to provide transparency, social references, and information about the environmental effects of conservation behavior. The proposed research is planned in a longitudinal design for 8 weeks in the winter of 2022/23 in Germany. The findings are expected to contribute to scholarly research on nudging and practice as well as to housing providers and policymakers who are interested in green nudging.