Expanding the evidence base for the design of policy influencing consumer choice of products and services and environmental impact
Funded by: European Commission DG Environment
Duration:
January 2010 to October 2010
PSI researchers:
Background, summary and aims
Background, Scope and Aims
The aim of this project, which is a follow up to an earlier PSI-led project -Real world consumer behaviour relating to the purchasing of environmentally-preferable products' is to further encourage the commissioning, understanding and use of consumer research by policy-makers and other stakeholders. The intention is to build and strengthen links between the providers and users of such research, and to encourage -real world' research which really explores how consumers make decisions on a day-to-day basis. The project is a collaboration between BIO Intelligence Services, Ecologic and PSI.
Project Design
The project reviewed existing research relating to consumer behaviour and developed guidance for those wishing to commission and undertake such research. It will also developed evaluation guidance to help policy get a more informed understanding of the way in which consumers respond to different policy instruments.
Importance of Research
The project sets out to enable the design of more effective consumer-facing policies across the EU and, ultimately, to facilitate more sustainable consumption patterns.