Behavior and Health

Despite decades of progress, a persistent gap remains between what efficiency is technically achievable and what is actually delivered. Behavioral barriers, including confusion, distrust, inconvenience, and upfront costs, all prevent households and organizations from taking actions that would save them money and energy. Program designs that look good on paper fail in the field because they weren’t built around how people think and act.

Energy choices also have very real consequences on health. The homes and buildings where people spend most of their time directly shape their wellbeing: indoor air quality, thermal comfort, moisture and mold, and the stress of unaffordable energy bills all take a toll, and these burdens fall hardest on low-income households and communities that already face the greatest energy challenges.

ACEEE’s work on behavior and health bridges these gaps. We apply behavioral science and human-centered design to help energy programs better reach, engage, and serve the people they’re meant to help. We research the motivators and barriers that shape energy decisions and work directly with utilities, state energy offices, and program administrators to turn those insights into better program design. We also integrate health into energy efficiency research and policy, and make the case that weatherization, electrification, and retrofit investments aren’t just about lowering bills—they’re about creating safer, healthier homes and communities.

ACEEE is uniquely positioned at the intersection of behavioral science, public health, and energy efficiency. We provide governments, utilities, advocates, and businesses with research and guidance that improves their programs and the lives of the people they serve.