Capabilities and social practices: A combined conceptual framework for domestic energy use

The energy crisis reached new heights when the international energy market suffered a significant blow due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. While the Netherlands imported only approximately 15% of its natural gas from Russia, it was among the European countries actively seeking alternative solutions as a political gesture, while simultaneously exploring new energy sources and energy-saving methods. Alongside financial relief, the Dutch government's focus shifted toward reducing energy consumption through behavioural changes, as illustrated by the launch of the national "Zet ook de knop om" ("Flip the Switch") campaign. This campaign encouraged citizens to reduce their indoor temperature to 19°C and suggested alternative measures to maintain thermal comfort while lowering residential energy consumption and costs. Crucially, the national campaign sought to motivate and inspire in a time of crisis motivational aspects with no attention to challenges, such as habits or inappropriate and inexpedient infrastructures. This paper uses a living lab approach to demonstrate that behavioural changes are possible when routinized practices are disrupted through predefined challenges. The living labs were conducted in late 2018, with two follow-up surveys administered three months and three years after the end of the active implementation period. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected before, during, and after the challenges. We analysed how two distinct types of practices—doing laundry and keeping warm—responded to the change initiative. This paper exemplifies the application of a capabilities-infused social practice theory to energy-related practices. By examining both laundry and heating habits, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of the implications not only for environmental concerns but also for social justice issues on user behaviour, which is particularly relevant in the context of the current energy crisis.