The start of a new year is always a time for reflection and resolution. As we step into 2025, countless individuals worldwide will begin January with fresh determination to adopt better habits and make positive changes. Gym memberships will surge, new hobbies will be explored, and healthy routines will be embraced. Yet, by mid-February, statistics suggest that 80% of these resolutions will have failed to stick.
Why? Because forming a sustainable habit requires more than good intentions—it demands time, strategy, and consistency.
Modern research has dismantled the old notion that 21 days are enough to form a new habit. Today, we know it can take anywhere from 2 months to over 250 days for behaviors to become automatic. This insight is particularly relevant for utilities and organizations tasked with inspiring sustainable actions in customers as we approach critical Net Zero deadlines. Helping customers reduce water and energy consumption, eliminate waste, and adopt greener habits means supporting them at every stage of behavior change.
Encouraging impactful habits—like shorter showers, lowering thermostats, fixing leaks, reducing standby power, and improving household efficiency—requires more than awareness. It takes targeted engagement and behavioral reinforcement.
A Framework for Building Habits
Drawing from our behavioral science expertise, we embrace the proven framework of Decide, Design, and Do, championed by Professor Paul Dolan, author of Happiness by Design.
- Decide – Begin by identifying the habit or behavior to develop.
- Design – Break the behavior into manageable steps, create achievable goals, and implement strategies for reminders.
- Do – Commit to action, track progress, and celebrate milestones.
How Advizzo Can Help
At Advizzo, we specialize in enabling utilities to guide their customers through these stages with personalized, science-backed engagement solutions. By applying behavioral insights, nudges, and advanced data analytics, we make it easier for customers to adopt and sustain positive habits.
Helping Customers ‘Decide’
Using advanced data science, we ensure that every message is tailored to each household’s unique circumstances. This precision ensures that when you nudge customers to reduce consumption, you’re delivering the right message to the right person at the right time.
Helping Customers ‘Design’
We create personalized action plans and engage customers through consistent, meaningful communication across the channels they prefer. For example, our neighbor comparison reports encourage customers to adopt efficiency practices by showing them how their consumption compares to similar households.
Helping Customers ‘Do’
Our platform provides ongoing motivation by tracking progress and highlighting achievements. When customers see the tangible benefits of their actions—like reduced bills or lower environmental impact—they’re more likely to stick to their new habits.
Nudging Towards Net Zero
Since the publication of Nudge by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein in 2008, we’ve understood that people often struggle to make rational decisions due to inertia or lack of knowledge. Nudging—subtly steering choices in a positive direction—has proven to be a powerful tool for influencing behaviors, particularly in areas like water and energy conservation.
Research increasingly shows that households benefit from nudges designed to reduce consumption. Advizzo helps utilities apply these techniques to guide customers toward sustainable behaviors while fostering long-term engagement and loyalty.
Building Hope for 2025
Consumers are more motivated than ever to reduce their environmental footprint. In fact, 85% of consumers agree that climate change is among the most critical issues facing the world today, yet many are unsure about what steps to take. Utilities have a unique opportunity to lead by providing clarity, support, and tools that make sustainable actions accessible and achievable.
How will your organization empower customers to build better habits and contribute to Net Zero goals in 2025? With Advizzo’s proven solutions, you don’t have to do it alone.
Let’s make 2025 a year of progress, partnership, and impactful change. Contact us or book a demo to explore how we can help your customers create meaningful, lasting habits that support a sustainable future.