The role of space in social interactions aimed at activating ‘energy discursive consciousness'

There is a tremendous urgency to reduce energy consumption in cities through behavioral change. Nowadays, individual-oriented technological and behavioral solutions and feedback by means of energy efficiency measurements are often used to decrease energy consumption. However, their effectiveness is being questioned. A complementary approach is to consider individuals as part of a community. Social interactions between individuals who belong to a community may have a significant role in challenging current energy usage and in reducing energy demand. In particular, this article, using an experimental approach, explores the role that different types of spaces, both physical and virtual, where social interactions at the community level occur, can play in the activation of ‘energy discursive consciousness’ and in the co-creation of new meanings of energy. These face-to-face and virtual (through the help of a digital platform) social interactions are analyzed through the lens of ‘energy discursive consciousness’, defined as the ability people have to put their own energy-related actions into words. The article explores and uncovers the discursive processes taking place during these social interactions in two communities in Amsterdam. The knowledge of these processes in contemporary planning research and practice is a necessary requirement to advance proposals for community-centered polities aimed at raising awareness of energy use and needs.