In order to change environmentally harmful habits and promote environmentally friendly actions, it is essential to understand the multiple factors influencing behaviour. Depending on which behaviour is in focus, policy instruments should be applied at different points: Contextual conditions of behaviour can be changed through economic instruments, public infrastructures and services or regulation. In concrete decision-making situations, people who want to behave in an environmentally friendly way should be better supported, for example through information and advice. In the long run, environmental education and a change in values in society can lay the foundation for change towards environmentally friendly behaviour.
In some areas, it is politically controversial whether public policy should address environmentally relevant behaviour. Social acceptance can be improved through transparent communication on planned measures and their effectiveness, through a conscious combination of instruments as well as through citizen participation.
In this report, the SRU analyses when behaviour should be addressed, which measures are suitable for this and how they can be politically realised. For the areas of meat consumption, smartphone use and energy-efficient home renovation, the report provides recommendations for concrete implementation.
This publication is based on a special report published by the SRU in May 2023 in German language. It contains the full reasoning, further details and extensive references.
2023