ABSTRACT
The reduction in energy consumption is a topic that is widely discussed in society. Technological improvements do not always imply energy savings, which emphasizes the importance of taking into consideration both the human factor in energy systems and the key role that people play in fulfilling the efficiency expectations placed in technological innovations. We depict the origin and rules of our sociotechnical system from an evolutionary perspective, considering basic human needs and motives. Then we explore the four roles played by technology in fulfilling these needs and motives and set it in an environmental context, namely as determinant, intermediary, amplifier, and promoter. Shifting the focus from technology to human behavior, we explain the compensatory function of two core determinants of pro-environmental behavior, including energy consumption, in the sociotechnical system: a person’s intrinsic motivation to protect the environment and the costs that are imposed on an individual by certain behavior that is highly dependent on available technology. Against this backdrop and by using examples to illustrate our case, we propose to change course in favor of motivation for an energy-sufficient lifestyle that is also aimed at reducing one’s own energy consumption. In particular, we elucidate ways to foster the motivation for such an energy-sufficient lifestyle and environmental competence in general through “nature-based environmental education” and relevant information on the use of technology. Indeed, environmental competence favors a sustainable use of technology.
