10.2190/2N3T-WH89-B6WW-KVLH 2N3TWH89B6WWKVLH 5 Promoting Conservation Behavior in Shared Spaces: The Role of Energy Monitors 265 273 20020509 20020509 20020509 20020509 2N3TWH89B6WWKVLH.pdf http://baywood.metapress.com/link.asp?target=contribution&id=2N3TWH89B6WWKVLH 3 Raymond De Young The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Public university buildings are fascinating if somewhat complicated behavior settings. Designed and managed for a broad range of users, these buildings present a challenge to those trying to promote energy conservation. This is even more so when the goal is not a technology-based approach but conservation through direct involvement. This article discusses one type of participation-the use of energy monitors. Volunteer staff members were given responsibility for monitoring lighting energy usage in the public and shared spaces near their offices. They were encouraged to promote energy conservation by shutting off unneeded lights and by informally discussing their activities with other building users. This relatively simple and direct approach proved effective in reducing energy waste. R. Widmar, D. Simmons, R. Kaplan, and R. De Young, <i>Behavioral Approaches to Energy Conservation in Organizations: A Selected Review of the Literautre</i>, Council of Planning Librarians, Chicago, Number 142, 1984. American Council on Education, <i>Energy Conservation Idea Handbook</i>, 1980. R. N. Helms, <i>Illumination Engineering for Energy Efficient Luminous Environments</i>, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, 1980. P. A. Luyben, A Parametric Analysis of Prompting Procedures to Encourage Electrical Energy Conservation, <i>Journal of Environmental Systems, 12</i>, pp. 329-339, 1982-83. E. S. Zolik, L. A. Jason, D. Nair, and M. Peterson, Conservation of Electricity on a College Campus, <i>Journal of Environmental Systems, 12</i>, pp. 225-228, 1982-83. P. S. Stern and E. Aronson (eds.), <i>Energy Use: The Human Dimension</i>, Freeman, New York, 1984. P. Ester and R. A. Winett, Toward More Effective Antecedent Strategies for Environmental Programs, <i>Journal of Environmental Systems, 11</i>, pp. 201-211, 1981-82. S. M. Yates and E. Aronson, A Social Psychological Perspective on Energy Conservation in Residential Buildings, <i>American Psychologist, 38</i>, pp. 435-444, 1983. N. R. Teater, Stanford University: Building Energy Managers Program-Report and Recommendations, unpublished manuscript, Energy Program Office, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 1983. E. Aronson and M. O'Leary, The Relative Effectiveness of Models and Prompts on Energy Conservation: A Field Experiment in a Shower Room, <i>Journal of Environmental Systems, 12</i>, pp. 219-224, 1983. R. D. Katzev, The Impact of Commitment in Promoting Consumer Energy Conservation, in Consumer Behavior and Energy Policy: An International Perspective, E. Monnier, G. Gaskell, P. Ester, B. Joerges, B. Lapillonne, C. Midden, and L. Puiseux (eds.), Praeger, New York, 1986. R. D. Katzev and T. Johnson, <i>Promoting Energy Conservation: An Analysis of Behavioral Research</i>, Westview Press, Boulder, Colorado, 1987. R. DeYoung, Some Psychological Aspects of Recycling: The Structure of Conservation Satisfactions, <i>Environment and Behavior, 18</i>, pp. 435-449, 1986. R. DeYoung, Encouraging Environmentally Appropriate Behavior: The Role of Intrinsic Motivation, <i>Journal of Environmental Systems, 15</i>, pp. 281-292, 1985-86. S. Kaplan and R. Kaplan, <i>Cognition and Environment: Functioning in an Uncertain World</i>, Praeger, New York, 1982. R. R. Gatts, R. G. Massey, and J. C. Robertson, <i>Energy Conservation Program Guide for Industry and Commerce</i>, U. S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D. C., 1974 (with supplement, 1975).