Carbon Generalized System of Preferences (CGSP) programs: Key design dimensions and attitudes of potential participants

Abstract

The Carbon Generalized System of Preferences (CGSP) is a tool that employs monetary or non-monetary incentives to promote sustainable behaviors. While CGSP pilot programs have been initiated, its main design dimensions and people’s preferences for these dimensions remain unexplored. This study developed a two-stage framework to summarize key components of the CGSP’s design and delve into participants’ preferences for various CGSP designs. Our findings indicate that individuals aged over 30, with comparatively higher incomes, and living within smaller households, tend to exhibit tendencies towards high-emission travel. Regarding interviewees’ preferences for the key design dimensions of the CGSP, a unanimous consensus emerges that the government should play a leading role in CGSP development. While divergences exist, most interviewees lean towards CGSP programs being voluntary in nature, city-level in scope, and possessing mid-term billing cycles (monthly to semi-annually). Attitudes towards monetary incentives display significant variation among interviewees, with those working in the transportation industry generally exhibiting a greater affinity for non-monetary incentives. The majority of interviewees express comfort with personal information collection for the CGSP, particularly among potential low-emission travelers. This study provides valuable insights for designing and promoting CGSP mechanisms.