Behaviour Change Fundamentals1 / 12
Psychology of Energy Behaviour
Habit, nudges, social norms, intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation.
11 min read · Jacob Willis, Net Zero Lead · Last reviewed July 2026
Much energy use is determined not by equipment but by behaviour - the countless daily choices of the people who occupy buildings and operate processes. Changing that behaviour requires understanding the psychology that drives it.
In this lesson
- 01Behaviour matters
- 02People are not rational calculators
- 03The power of habit
- 04Social norms
- 05Nudges and choice architecture
- 06Motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic
- 07The foundation for change
- 08Sources and further reading