University Real-Time Emissions Display

A large display for COP26 that uses comparison and benchmarking of campus energy use to inspire student engagement toward the campus' climate goals.

Energy
Digital Display
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The Real-Time Emissions Display at the University of Glasgow is an interactive large-screen installation located in the foyer of a key campus building.

This display showcases the university’s real-time carbon emissions, allowing viewers to see current energy usage and emissions data for university buildings.

The emissions are benchmarked against the progress the university has made toward its carbon reduction goals, providing a clear visual comparison between current output and sustainability targets.

The display, unveiled during the COP26 United Nations Climate Change Conference, leverages behavioral science techniques like social comparison and benchmarking to raise awareness and encourage collective action.

By making carbon data visible and relatable, the installation aims to foster greater accountability and inspire students, staff, and visitors to contribute to the university's sustainability goals.

This initiative exemplifies the university's commitment to climate action while educating the campus community about the importance of reducing emissions.

Psychology Techniques

Ambient Messaging

A signal or message displayed in the ambient environment such as on a wall or street where all passers-by can see it.

Community Scale Feedback

Publicly displayed data showing a community's collective environmental impact as a group.

Feedback Loop

A system that measures the environmental impact of an action and displays it with continuous feedback to the actor.

Social Comparison

Comparing an objective measure of one person or entity's environmental score against others or against the group average.