Evaluating the Dynamic Psychological and Behavioral Changes of Water‐Saving in Public Buildings Under Effective Interventions

Duan, Bowen and Gao, Jinliang and Wu, Wenyan and Cao, Huizhe and Guo, Wenjuan and Wang, Jinghui and Zhang, Shanshan and Wen, Chao and Tian, Yuan and Shen, Chang (2025) Evaluating the Dynamic Psychological and Behavioral Changes of Water‐Saving in Public Buildings Under Effective Interventions. Water Resources Research, 61 (7). ISSN 0043-1397

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Abstract

This paper addresses the critical aspect of water conservation in public buildings within the context of sustainable urban water resources management. While conventional approaches rely on pricing controls and water-saving appliances, this research emphasizes the key consideration of psychological factors influencing users' willingness to conserve water. Through a survey involving 1,206 volunteers, an expanded theory of planned behavior model is constructed and analyzed to evaluate the impact of water-saving attitudes, subjective norms, self-efficacy, and perceived behavioral control on individuals' water-saving behavior. Intervention experiments conducted in three types of public buildings equipped with smart water meters unveil the nuanced dynamics of real-time water-saving behavior and its responsiveness to external interventions. Findings underscore the collective influence of subjective norms, water-saving attitudes, self-efficacy, and perceived behavioral control on individuals' intentions and behaviors. Noteworthy is the observed time lag and diminishing impact of external interventions, where economic, feedback, and subjective norms interventions prove more effective. This study not only contributes a theoretical framework but also provides practical insights, emphasizing the need for consistent and targeted external interventions. Practitioners, decision-makers, and stakeholders are urged to recognize the profound impact of users' psychological factors on public water-saving behavior and strategically employ interventions for sustained positive outcomes.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.1029/2024WR037749
Dates:	Date Event 12 June 2025 Accepted 5 July 2025 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	public buildings, water-saving, theory of planned behavior, dynamic behavior intervention model, genetic algorithm
Subjects:	CAH10 - engineering and technology > CAH10-01 - engineering > CAH10-01-08 - electrical and electronic engineering
Divisions:	Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment > College of Engineering
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	07 Jul 2025 13:03
Last Modified:	07 Jul 2025 13:03
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16479

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