How Can We Use Competition to Develop Sustainable Energy Consumption Habits in Students at the ISF Academy?

Abstract:

To fight climate change and progress towards a net zero emissions future, Hong Kong must take action now through targeting annual reductions of 6.6 percent from 2020 to 2050 (HK 2050 Is Now, 2020), and adapting behaviour changes (Williamson, K., Satre-Meloy, A., Velasco, K., & Green, K., 2018). However, telling the public the need to change their behaviours may fail to successfully ignite positive results as household habits and routines vary little after the age of nine (Pressman, R et al. 2014). According to a study conducted by Andrew Cooke et al, competition can improve endurance - the ability to sustain a specific activity - performance through increased effort, enjoyment, and heart rates among other effects. In this paper, I aim to study the relationship between competition and behaviour change among ISF upper primary school students (8-11 year olds).

This study group involves 30 upper primary classes of 8-11 year-olds, competing for the greatest reduction in energy consumption, with the reward of a pizza party. A broad age range will also help conclude what ages are best suited for competition inducing behaviour change. In Hong Kong, the greatest potential for reducing emissions comes from making energy-efficient buildings (HK 2050 Is Now, 2020). The ISF Academy has a number of initiatives promoting awareness about energy consumption, one of which is the ISF Sustainability App. This App gives classrooms hourly updates on their energy consumption through the use of energy monitoring sensors. Users can also adjust the app settings to see the total energy consumption of a classroom, floor, or block, during a specific time frame (eg. from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM). Weekly reports of each class’s total energy consumption along with progress bars will be posted on the primary communal bulletin board. To gauge if sustainable energy consumption habits have been developed, I will send out a survey inquiring the student’s attitude towards sustainability, and compare the results before and after the competition.