The OECD’s Environmental Policies and Individual Behaviour Change (EPIC) Survey 2022, co-funded by the Users TCP, explores the drivers behind household behaviour and how policies may affect decisions in key consumption areas, including energy. Implemented with a sample of more than 17,000 households across nine countries: Belgium, Canada, Israel, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States, the survey came at a time of interlocking global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, geo-political tensions and tumultuous energy and commodity markets. These challenges, combined with the urgent need to address climate change and broader environmental challenges, underlines the importance of an enhanced understanding of household behaviour and the barriers to more sustainable household choices.

The EPIC Survey provides unique insights into the drivers of these choices and the measures governments can put in place to overcome the barriers identified. Analysis enables us to draw out the similarities and differences across different jurisdictions and the characteristics of the groups within countries that have the capabilities and motivations to act.

• Presented by Hélène Ahlborg and Kavya Michael, Chalmers Technical University and Kate Hassett, OECD