Input Efficiency as a Solution to Externalities and Resource Scarcity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists
Year: 2024
Volume: 11
Issue: 1
Pages: 171 - 211

Authors (3)

Francisco Alpizar (not in RePEc) María Bernedo Del Carpio (not in RePEc) Paul J. Ferraro (Johns Hopkins University)

Score contribution per author:

1.341 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Resource-conserving technologies are widely reported to benefit both the people who adopt them and the environment. Evidence for these “win-win” claims comes largely from modeling or nonexperimental designs and mostly from the energy sector. In a randomized trial of water-efficient technologies, the ex ante engineering estimate of water use reductions was three times higher than the experimental estimate, a divergence arising from engineering and behavioral reasons other than the rebound effect. Using detailed cost information and experimentally elicited time and risk preferences, we infer that the private welfare gains from adoption are, on average, negative, implying no “efficiency paradox.”

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:ucp:jaerec:doi:10.1086/725700
Journal Field
Environment
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25