Virtual Human Interaction Lab – Stanford University  { Projects
}  Using Avatars to Reduce Energy Use  Chopping down a virtual
tree There are many reasons why Virtual Reality will reduce
energy use, such as the much discussed proposition that virtual
conferencing will reduce travel via airplanes and automobiles.
However, we are taking a more active approach. A number of
studies at VHIL are using avatars and virtual reality
simulations to encourage people to reexamine their personal
energy behavior. For example, VR can make the relationship
between energy use and environmental consequences less abstract.
One study showed that when subjects were forced to saw down
virtual trees, they later (in the physical world) used less
paper when cleaning up an accidental water spill, as depicted in
this video. Similarly, we are using avatars to teach about
climate change. The abstract nature of climate change-slow,
gradual, and nonlinear consequences; gases that cannot be
perceived; the lack of information regarding the im