The Department Environmental Psychology of IZES gGmbH in Saarbrücken analysis the psychological and social factors connected to energy production and consumption. Main goal of the research is to develop new ways and recommendations for a sustainable and socially acceptable transition of the energy system. Looking from a systemic perspective, qualitative and quantitative research methods are used in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches. Besides the research on acceptance and participation processes in the context of energy transition, a focus is on the psychological factors determining an energy-efficient usage on household, community and organisational levels as well as the involvement of several user groups into the transition process.
In this context, the projects include standardized questionnaire surveys in nationwide research regions, qualitative interviews or quasi-experimental designs. Participatory methods are also used, in which specific perspectives and experiences are exchanged and possible solutions are discussed.
The research interests of the field of environmental psychology are broad and include in particular:
- Acceptance research regarding renewable energy technologies such as wind energy, biogas, PV, geothermal, as well as grid expansion and H2 / PtX
- Conflict analyses and moderation in planning and approval procedures
- Investigation of the psychological factors of sustainable mobility, among others using the example of electric mobility
- Behavioral and utilization-related aspects of efficient and sustainable use of energy and resources on different system levels (individual, organizations, buildings, urban development)
- Support of systemic and institutional change processes, e.g. with respect to sustainable urban planning, participative development and implementation of climate protection strategies and energy sustainable communities
- Design, monitoring and evaluation of formal and informal participation processes