Energy Battle game An approach to cutting domestic energy
consumption based on playing a game – Energy Battle – can lead
to household savings of up to 45 percent on electricity
consumption and lead to better energy-saving habits, says a
study published in the Journal of Design Research. Researchers
at Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands evaluated
an energy-saving game in 20 student households; while playing
the Energy Battle game, families got feedback on energy usage,
ranking of the competing teams, and tips. The aim of the game
was to find ways to reduce energy consumption such as switching
off unnecessary lights, using energy-saving bulbs, and
unplugging electrical equipment rather than leaving it in
standby. During the Energy Battle, the student households were
able to cut their energy consumption on average by 25 percent.
However, the most efficient household was able to cut their
energy use almost in half (45 percent). Once the game was over,
energy use in most of the households increased