From Social Cognitive Theory to Interface Design: Supporting CO₂-Reduction in Real Estate Organizations

Sammanfattning

This study addresses how CO₂-reducing behavior can be understood and supported within real estate organizations, where organizational actors may influence energy use and climate impact through building management. The study draws on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), which explains behavior through the interaction between personal, environmental, and behavioral factors. A qualitative, theory-informed research design was used, combining thematic analysis with SCT-based interpretation and relational mapping of interview and survey material. The analysis resulted in an SCT-informed taxonomy, and five relational flow models that identify key factors influencing CO₂-reducing behavior. Including economic and kWh comparisons with CO₂, feedback on progress toward environmental certifications, building-specific feedback, frequent feedback, and feedback on implemented measures. These factors may support behavior by making CO₂ data more understandable, connecting it to organizational priorities, clarifying responsibility, and supporting self-monitoring, self-efficacy, motivation, and outcome expectations. The findings were then translated into design principles for a graphical user interface (GUI) prototype. The study contributes an SCT-informed taxonomy and relational theory of CO₂-reducing behavior in real estate organizations, and GUI design for sustainability-oriented building management.