Utility programs, conservation incentives, legislation, regulations, rebate design

behavior design case study with smile face
, , ,

Case Study: Belén Found a Cheaper Way to Save Water – With Smiley Stickers

Rate hikes and awareness campaigns made little difference. But being compared to the neighbors – with a smiley or a frowny face on water bills – cut water use by 5%.  Households in the municipality were using about 25% more water than…
,

Utah Advances Water Conservation Legislation That Reframes the Role of Turf

The Utah Legislative Water Development Commission unanimously approved the Water Wise Landscaping Amendments on November 20, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Keven Stratton, promotes appropriate grass species paired with smart irrigation…
CBSM campaign and water efficiency
,

Community-Based Social Marketing: Increase Water Conservation with Limited Rebate Budgets

This article is a collaborative effort by Steve Whitesell and Kevin Poirier Rowe. You’ve rolled out rebates, mailed conservation tips, and launched outreach campaigns—but residents still overwater lawns or ignore leaks. Why? Because…
How Norm Nudges Drive Water Conservation
, ,

How Norm Nudges Drive Long-Term Water Conservation

Executive Editor: Steve Whitesell Author:  Kevin Rowe Comparing neighbors may be the most powerful drought-fighting tool you’ve never used. A norm nudge is a behavioral science technique that encourages behavioral change by showing…
Increase Viral Adoption of Water Conservation Rebates
,

How to Increase Viral Adoption of Water Conservation Rebates

Executive Editor: Steve Whitesell Expert Reviewer: Dr Marco Palma The most cost-effective way to expand irrigation savings isn’t by raising rebate amounts. It’s by designing programs that neighbors can see, copy, and celebrate. Water…
How Tariffs Are Reshaping Water Conservation
, ,

How Tariffs are Reshaping Water Conservation Adoption

Executive Editor: Steve Whitesell Expert Reviewer: Dr Charlie Hall Economic uncertainty is redefining who adopts water conservation upgrades. The Big Picture Economic uncertainty is redefining who adopts water conservation upgrades. Affluent…
, ,

Sponge Cities: Designing for Drought, Flood, and Fire in a Changing Climate

As climate extremes become the new “normal”, cities must do more than just make space for people—they need to absorb water, heat, and unexpected environmental conditions. With worsening floods, longer droughts, and wildfires creeping into…

Lead Partners

Supporting Partners

The Healthy Green Spaces Coalition is powered by the National Association of Landscape Professionals.

Consent Preferences

Lead Partners

Supporting Partners