How does information on environmental emissions influence appliance choice? The role of values and perceived environmental impacts

Energy labels with compact information on the energy use of appliances have been adopted worldwide to encourage consumers to make informed investment decisions. This study examines whether communicating environmental emissions (CO2 and air pollutant emissions) on energy labels can increase the preferences for energy-efficient appliances, with a specific focus on the role of individual psychological traits. A survey with decision tasks was conducted among the adult population in the Netherlands. Results show that information on environmental emissions does not increase the intention to invest in energy-efficiency, while energy-saving at-titudes and habits do. Nevertheless, presenting information on CO2 emissions as well as combined CO2 and air pollutant emissions on energy labels can increase the preferences for energy-efficient appliances among in-dividuals with relatively strong postmaterialist values. Information on CO2 emissions also increases the prefer-ences of individuals with strong environmental concerns. However, no significant effects are found for information on air pollutant emissions. Also, personal experience of environmental degradation was not found to affect the effectiveness of the tested information interventions. Finally, we discuss the role of attention and type of decision situation for the processing of emissions information on energy labels. Our findings provide insights for improving information display on energy labels and energy education.

Automated summary

The inclusion of environmental emissions information on energy labels does not increase consumers' preferences for energy-efficient appliances. However, personal attitudes and habits towards energy-saving do have an impact. The presence of CO2 emissions information can increase preferences for energy-efficient appliances among individuals with certain values and strong environmental concerns. Information on air pollutant emissions does not have a significant effect. Personal experience of environmental degradation does not affect the effectiveness of the information interventions.