Assessing Lifestyle Transformations and Their Systemic Effects in Energy-System and Integrated Assessment Models: A Review of Current Methods and Data

Article - August 31, 2022

The paper was prepared in the framework of H2020 CAMPAIGNers project and discusses the failure of common modeling approaches to reflect (i) the dynamics and costs of demand-side transitions, (ii) the heterogenous responses of different consumer groups, and (iii) the structural effects of lifestyles on the macroeconomy.

Through extensive literature review E3M researchers point to innovative methodologies and the use of big data (collected from users) that can offer new avenues to overcome these shortcomings and improve how lifestyle changes are captured by large-scale models.

In the transport sector behavioral measures that should be modelled include shifting to public and active transport modes, shared mobility, and eco-driving; while for households such behavioral measures may include reducing space and water-heating and adopting circular economy practices.

Access the full article here and a poster that was presented during the ECEMP 2022 conference LifestyleChangeinIAMs_ECEMP_2022