Energy Saving Trust
Saving energy rates with a mate
Design Challenge
The UK is committed to achieving an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050. To address these challenges we all need to reduce our energy consumption and accelerate a move to sustainable, low carbon lifestyles.
Energy Saving Trust is a leading and trusted organisation helping people save energy every day. Their experts speak with millions of households every year, deliver first class programmes for governments and provide consultancy to UK businesses and international companies.
Although Energy Saving Trust has a large reach, they have struggled to raise their profile among the 18-24 demographic. The challenge was to develop a campaign that would engage and motivate the target audience to reduce energy consumption and positively impact climate change.
Solution
Young adults are hyperaware of the environmental issues around them but aren’t likely to take action unless the benefits are immediately tangible, or boosts their public image on social media.
Ultimately, the act of contributing to energy saving practices is boring and is not considered a priority during daily activities.
Estimate is the result of gamifying the energy saving process. We are able to create long lasting habits to reduce energy consumption in households by rewarding good energy usage practices while also educating consumers to be more proactive at home.
Inspired by games like Tamagotchi, Estimate aims to utilise the Virtual Pet concept to build a deeper connection between the user and energy saving practices from your smartphone.
The name is a combination of ‘EST’ (Energy Saving Trust) and ‘mate’, as pets are usually considered friends too. The word ‘estimate’ is synonymous with numbers, which can be offputting. However, the virtual pet becomes a visual representation of the numbers, showing your estimated savings in a playful and interactive way.
Facebook Messenger stickers
Direct Mail
The friendlier and modern approach towards the issue makes energy saving both easier to do and to understand. Taking care of the virtual pet creates a daily incentive to be more proactive, as well as creating opportunities to educate good energy saving practices to save money.
Awards
YCN Student Awards 2019 Commendation
Kimberly France
Social Media