Explaining renewable energy consumption among students: The role of academic discipline and energy awareness

This paper analyzes differences across three academic programs (business, cultural studies, and environmental studies) in terms of students’ energy consumption. The study provides an analysis of how students’ awareness concerning sustainable energy behaviors (energy awareness) and the antecedents of this awareness influence whether students purchase energy from renewable resources or not. Drawing on insights from career studies and environmental psychology, the role of academic disciplines in predicting attitudes and behaviors is discussed and psychological antecedents of energy awareness are identified. The study finds evidence for significant disciplinary differences concerning students’ levels of energy awareness, the influence of this awareness on renewable energy consumption, and the share of students purchasing renewable energy in the three disciplines. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.