Risk, vulnerability, robustness, and resilience are terms that being used increasingly frequently in a large range of sciences. This paper shows how these can be consistently defined based on decision-theoretic, verbal, formal definition. Risk is conceived as an evaluation uncertain loss potential. The starts from decision-theoretic definition risk, which distinguishes between the risk situation (i.e. analyst's model someone perceives or assesses risk) function about perceiving assessing...

Modal shifts hold considerable potential to mitigate carbon emissions. Electric bikes (e-bikes) represent a promising energy- and carbon-efficient alternative cars. However, as mobility behaviour is highly habitual, convincing people switch from cars e-bikes challenging. One strategy accomplish this the disruption of existing habits—a key idea behind an annual e-bike promotion programme in Switzerland, which car owners can try out for free over two-week period exchange their keys. By means...

Abstract Background Citizens are recognized as key actors in the energy system’s transformation by assuming novel roles beyond being mere consumers. Participation renewable projects increases societal support and renders decarbonization of system more inclusive. Increasing numbers citizen-financed photovoltaic (CiFi PV) exemplify this. Empirical studies on individuals who participate CiFi PV, their perceived role(s), motivations, however, scarce. This study addresses this gap through lens...

Infrastructure projects such as repositories for nuclear waste or hazardous sites impose risks (in the form of potential burdens losses) over extensive timescales. These change dynamically time and so, potentially, does their management. Societies key actors go through learning processes subsequently may be better able to deal with related challenges. However, social scientific research on acceptance is mainly concerned (static) risk perception issues not include dynamic aspects. Adaptive...

Many countries have some kind of energy-system transformation either planned or ongoing for various reasons, such as to curb carbon emissions compensate the phasing out nuclear energy. One important component these transformations is overall reduction in energy demand. It generally acknowledged that domestic sector represents a large share total consumption many countries. Increased efficiency one factor reduces demand, but behavioral approaches (known "sufficiency") and their respective...

A promising strategy to reduce smartphones' environmental footprint is increase their service lifetime, thereby reducing the demand for resource-intensive production of new devices. Most existing literature focuses on production-oriented measures, such as improving repairability, but what remains missing a systematic overview consumer-oriented interventions extend lifetime. In this study, we applied consumer intervention mapping approach by systematically identifying decision situations...

Various countries have pledged to carry out system-wide energy transitions address climate change. This requires taking strategic decisions with long-term consequences under conditions of considerable uncertainty. For this reason, many actors in the sector develop model-based scenarios guide debates and decision-making about plausible future systems. Besides being a decision support instrument for policy-makers, are widely recognized as way shaping expectations experts influencing policy...

Energy scenarios are often claimed to support decision-makers involved in the energy transition. However, an empirical understanding of how decision makers select, interpret, and use is largely missing. This study examined high-level public utility executives sector, a key target audience scenarios, perceive interact with scenarios. Based on interviews representatives 20 Swiss utilities, we show that rarely part formalized process aimed at assisting decision-making processes. Instead,...

Despite the considerable potential of low-flow showerheads to reduce household energy demand, their widespread implementation is still far from being realised. In this study, we compare joint effect a contextually embedded intervention in public swimming pool promote coupled with mass campaign by Swiss city’s utility stand-alone campaign. We also explore factors that influence outcome intervention. The quasi-experimental design study was possible due co-occurring installation local and...

Abstract Model-based energy scenarios promise to provide reliable, science-based decision support to
societal actors. However, these do not always sufficiently address the information needs of
a scenario user. This study aims better understand this gap with a focus on unique set of
peripheral users—such as local authorities and regional companies—who are often
overlooked in development processes yet play crucial role shaping future energy
system...