Author(s)

D. Müller-Eie, L. Bjørnø

Abstract

This paper supports an understanding of individual behaviour as an inherent part of a holistic approach to implementing urban sustainability. Based on this premise, the types of behaviour that are associated with the implementation of urban sustainability are highlighted. Challenging the tacit assumption that behaviour can be changed by merely changing policy and the built environment, an expanded view of behaviour change is proposed. This includes a literature study of other relevant disciplines investigating key factors that impact on individual decision-making, which are categorised as socio-cultural, demographic and psychological. Also, the importance of habitual behaviour as mitigating factor for behaviour change is discussed.

In conclusion, a schematic model of the individual’s role in decision-making and thus on urban sustainability realisation is proposed. The purpose of this is to clarify the duality between provision and use of urban sustainability strategies. As such, this paper constitutes preliminary work to the development of a holistic and integrated theory and research framework for the implementation of urban sustainability taking into account infrastructure, policy, behaviour and other aspects.

Keywords

urban sustainability, individual behaviour, sustainable behaviour, behavioural change, adoption