Application of Technology Acceptance Model to Investigate Influential Factors on Students' Intention to Use Carbon Footprint Calculator

Carbon footprint calculator (CFC) is a tool for people to know the carbon emissions generated by their activities. If more and more people use the CFC to manage and control their carbon emissions, global warming problem might be eased. This study applied persuasive technologies to build a new CFC to improve the ease-of-use and the usefulness of existing CFCs. A survey was conducted to first assess the significance of the improvement, and afterwards, grounded on the Technology Acceptance Model, to investigate the potential factors that affect a student’s intention to use CFC. Investigation results indicated that the application of persuasive technologies significantly increased the levels of students’ perceived ease-of-use and perceived usefulness of CFC. Moreover, students’ environmental awareness was positively and significantly related to their perceived usefulness of CFC, attitude toward using CFC and intention to use CFC. The ease-of-use of CFC positively and significantly affected students’ perceived usefulness. Students’ perceived usefulness and attitude had a positive and significant effect on their behavioral intention. To motivate students to use CFC, this study recommends the application of persuasive technologies to improve the existing CFCs and the development of educational programs enhance students’ environmental awareness. Keyword: Carbon footprint calculator, Persuasive technologies, Technology Acceptance Model ISS & MLB―September 24-26, 2013