Scandinavian Working Papers in Economics

Working Papers in Economics,
University of Gothenburg, Department of Economics

No 822: Individual Carbon Footprint Reduction: Evidence from Pro-environmental Users of a Carbon Calculator

Jakob Enlund (), David Andersson () and Fredrik Carlsson ()
Additional contact information
Jakob Enlund: Department of Economics, School of Business, Economics and Law, Göteborg University, Postal: P.O. Box 640, SE 40530 GÖTEBORG, Sweden
David Andersson: Department of Space, Earth and Environment, Physical Resource eory, Chalmers University of Technology
Fredrik Carlsson: Department of Economics, School of Business, Economics and Law, Göteborg University, Postal: P.O. Box 640, SE 40530 GÖTEBORG, Sweden

Abstract: We provide the first estimates of how pro-environmental consumers reduce their total carbon footprint using a carbon calculator that covers all financial transactions. We use data from users of a carbon calculator that includes weeklye estimates of users’ consumptionbased carbon-equivalent emissions based on detailed financial statements, official registers, and self-reported life-style factors. The calculator is designed to induce behavioral change and gives users detailed information about their footprint, and includes social comparisons, and goal-setting options. By using a robust difference-in-differences analysis with staggered adoption of the calculator, we estimate that users decrease their carbon footprint by around 10 percent in the first few weeks, but over the next few weeks, the reduction fades. Further analysis suggests that the carbon footprint reduction is driven by a combination of a shift from high- to low-emitting consumption categories and a temporary decrease in overall spending, and not by changes in any specific consumption category.

Keywords: Pro-environmental Behavior; Carbon Footprint; Consumer Behavior

JEL-codes: D12; D91; Q50

Language: English

42 pages, May 2022

Note: Pro-environmental Behavior; Carbon Footprint; Consumer Behavior

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