Country: Netherlands

This online experiment tested various ways in which sustainability measures for homeowners are presented on the website verbeterjehuis.nl, ‘improve your home’. The variant emphasising that the sustainability measures are 'recommended for your personal situation' proved to be most effective. This addition acts as an incentive to homeowners to install roof insulation or adopt other sustainability measures. Why this experiment was conducted: verbeterjehuis.nl website optimisation Homeowners…

Institution: Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations and Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy

A series of controlled randomised experiments was conducted to examine the savings effects for households of three types of energy consumption managers tools: an email + web application, an app installed on a smartphone or tablet and an in-home display. Energy savings could only be established for the in-home display: almost 7% on natural gas and over 2% on electricity consumption. Why this experiment was conducted: The Netherlands' climate targets Energy consumption by Dutch households…

Institution: PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency

Rijkswaterstaat (the Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management) wants to induce behavioural change in several areas. The circular economy is one example. A study examined whether consumers will make more sustainable choices if they have been complimented on their past actions or behaviour that were environmentally friendly or sustainable. This proved to be the case. Why this experiment was conducted: additional incentive for sustainable behaviour Behavioural change is…

Institution: Rijkswaterstaat's Circular Economy & Waste department

Why this experiment was conducted: scepticism about second-hand clothes The clothing industry is a major polluter, and the second-hand market is an important alternative to new clothes. While more and more Dutch consumers are turning to pre-owned clothing, a large group remains sceptical. According to a target group study conducted in 2020, they wonder whether they will be able to find a suitable second-hand item, and whether it is hygienic. The best way to overcome this scepticism is to create…

Institution: Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management

The Network of Public Services (NPD) was established to collectively support and inspire public services, share knowledge and expertise and to lobby policy and politics. The NPD is an informal network of over 80 public services. Together, we present a strong voice towards politics and policy to make our wishes feasible, aiming for improving public services for citizens and entrepreneurs.

Rainlevelr is a joint approach to reduce the risk of flooding. By utilizing the water basins of horticultural companies, the Delfland horticultural area can absorb heavier downpours, thus preventing flooding for both the businesses and the surrounding area. In Rainlevelr, regional authorities, ‘Glastuinbouw Nederland’ and horticultural companies collaborate closely. The uniqueness of this innovation lies in the collaboration among various stakeholders involved in the use of water buffers…

Dutch Central Government (employer) and Trade Unions reserved €6 million to experiment with and include a wide range of (new) Green Benefits in the Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) to fight climate change. Through a unique, multi-party innovation process, over 75 civil servants and multilevel teams were trained in innovation and experimentation and jointly came together to develop green benefits pilots to be included in the CLA. The ultimate goal is to develop methods to involve all levels of…

Organisation: Other

To gain insight into citizen perspectives on the themes of energy and climate, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate periodically conducts public research. The Public Monitor Climate and Energy 2021 focuses on knowledge, attitude and behaviour of citizens in the field of the climate and energy transition.

Institution: Ministry of Economic Affairs (MinEZ)

Team: Behavioural Insights Network (BIN NL)

Organisation: Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst)