Human Behavior

Bringing behavioral science to energy policy and programs.

Energy use is shaped not only by buildings, equipment, and infrastructure but also by the decisions people and organizations make every day. Households decide whether to make home upgrades, buy electric vehicles, use public transit, or participate in energy programs. Businesses and institutions decide whether to invest in energy-efficient equipment, change operating practices, or prioritize energy management. These choices significantly affect energy consumption, energy bills, grid demand, and the success of energy efficiency programs. Yet policies and programs don’t always reflect these human realities in their design and implementation.

Behavioral science helps energy professionals understand the decisions that shape energy use, identify barriers to energy-saving actions, and design programs and policies that make efficient choices easier, more appealing, and more accessible. ACEEE studies how human behavior and decision-making affect energy use across homes, commercial buildings, transportation, and industry. This research helps utilities, policymakers, and program administrators design programs and policies that better reflect how people actually make decisions—leading to measurable changes in energy behavior. ACEEE also applies this expertise through BEAR Hub (Behavior | Energy | Action | Research), which provides evidence-based behavioral science consulting to cities, states, utilities, program implementers, nonprofits, and others working to improve energy efficiency.