Imke Gerrie Hanne van der Loo, Anna Lodberg Mammen, Emilie Mia Dirch Hartvigsen, Daniela Cristina Antelmi Pigosso

Behavioural rebound effects and secondary benefits of sustainability-oriented design

Introduction

Behavioural rebound effects and secondary benefits of sustainability-oriented design. Uncover how sustainability-oriented design creates behavioural secondary benefits (SB). This review identifies 17 mechanisms strengthening environmental gains and preventing rebound effects.

Abstract

Despite the growing body of research on the role of rebound effects (RE) in offsetting potential environmental gains, understanding of secondary benefits (SB) remains limited. SB are induced behavioural or systemic changes triggered by sustainability-oriented design that strengthen, rather than offset, potential environmental gains. To address this gap, this study aims to uncover the underlying behavioural mechanisms with the aid of a systematic literature review. A total of 59 relevant articles has been selected, resulting in the identification of 17 behavioural SB mechanisms. The mechanisms are clustered into five categories: identity, consistency, efficacy, goals, and motivation. For each mechanism, a definition, explanatory quote, moderator list, and source overview is provided. Although each mechanism is unique, similarities in mediators and moderators suggest an interconnected rather than isolated nature. An evaluation of the research trends indicates an increased number of examined interventions. Nevertheless, limitations regarding the diversity of interventions, the intention-behaviour gap, and self-report bias remain. After interpreting the results, potential connections between SB and RE mechanisms are addressed. This study concludes with three recommendations for research to develop a comprehensive understanding of SB mechanisms. Ultimately, this understanding could contribute to achieving the full environmental potential of sustainability-oriented design and preventing RE.

Review

This systematic literature review addresses a critical gap in the understanding of behavioural secondary benefits (SB) associated with sustainability-oriented design, contrasting them with the more commonly studied rebound effects (RE). The study's timely objective is to uncover the underlying behavioural mechanisms that strengthen, rather than offset, potential environmental gains from such designs. By meticulously reviewing 59 articles, the authors aim to provide a foundational understanding that can contribute significantly to maximizing the environmental impact of sustainable initiatives. This focus on positive feedback loops offers a refreshing and necessary counterpoint to the prevailing focus on negative behavioural responses. The methodology employed, a systematic literature review, appears robust, leading to the identification of 17 distinct behavioural SB mechanisms. These mechanisms are thoughtfully clustered into five intuitive categories: identity, consistency, efficacy, goals, and motivation, providing a clear framework for future research and application. For each mechanism, the authors offer a comprehensive overview including a definition, an explanatory quote, a list of moderators, and source attribution, which is highly valuable for researchers. The observation that these mechanisms are likely interconnected rather than isolated is a crucial insight, suggesting a complex interplay of factors at play. While acknowledging an increase in examined interventions, the study also judiciously highlights persistent limitations in the field, such as the diversity of interventions, the perennial intention-behaviour gap, and the challenges of self-report bias. Ultimately, this study makes a substantial theoretical contribution by systematically mapping and categorizing behavioural SB mechanisms, and by exploring their potential connections with RE. The detailed framework provided for each mechanism offers an excellent starting point for empirical research. The concluding recommendations for future research underscore the paper's forward-looking perspective, aiming to foster a comprehensive understanding that can empower designers and policymakers to achieve the full environmental potential of sustainability-oriented designs and effectively mitigate rebound effects. This work is an important step towards a more holistic and effective approach to sustainable development.

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