The Impact of Real-Time Visual Feedback on Electric Consumption at Middlebury College, Poster 18

The typical associations with “energy efficiency” are production oriented. However, in order to make a meaningful impact, innovative solutions for the production of clean energy need to be matched equally with creative... [ view full abstract ]

The typical associations with “energy efficiency” are production oriented. However, in order to make a meaningful impact, innovative solutions for the production of clean energy need to be matched equally with creative ways to reduce consumption. In a world of global connectedness, the only indication of electric use to the average consumer is in the form of a bill at the end of the month. For college students, even that small notion is lost, severing all connection between behavior and ecological impact.

The first step to bridging this gap in institutions of higher education is transparency around resource consumption. In the Ridgeline Townhouses, LED strips were installed to provide residents with real-time feedback on their current electric usage, as compared to a baseline. Every time a resident enters their common room, there is a prominent, yet unobtrusive reminder of how much electricity is being used at that time. Previous studies have shown that visual feedback on electric consumption, in addition to tailored feedback on conservation techniques and goal-setting, can significantly reduce electric consumption. This presentation will explore the successes of interdisciplinary work, share the results of this study, and explore potential applications in the future.