Welcome to Research Into Action

Research Into Action, Inc. is a social marketing and evaluation research firm. We specialize in evaluation research and market assessment design and analysis services in the fields of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and natural resource management.

Our name accurately describes what we do. We use a variety of proven theories and field-tested social/behavioral research and evaluation techniques to help our clients convert our research into effective actions.

Our clients include utilities, government agencies, and social action organizations - suppliers and market innovators who rely on well designed research tools and methods in order to create, implement, analyze, and improve products and services that meet their customers' needs.

Projects of Interest:

Portland Area Regional Food Waste Study
In 2009, in conjunction with Strategic Energy Group, Research Into Action participated in the Portland Area Regional Food Waste Study for Energy Trust of Oregon. Energy Trust sought a characterization and analysis of the amount, type, and availability of industrial food waste in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan region. Our team identified and mapped the major sources of this food waste, selected clusters of firms that could supply significant material, and then conducted onsite interviews with representatives of those companies. Our research helped Energy Trust explore the potential of diverting industrial food waste from landfills in order to avoid or reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provide a carbon-neutral source of methane for power generation and nutrient-rich compost, and reduce food processors' disposal costs and increase their revenue through the sale of what otherwise is considered waste material.
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Phase 1 of the Demand Response Perceptions and Behavior Study
Research Into Action is a member of a team led by Freeman Sullivan & Co. to conduct phase one of a Demand Response Perceptions and Behavior Study for Pacific Gas & Electric in 2009-2010. The study's overall goal is to develop a new framework for planning and operating demand response (DR) programs. Priorities include: 1) characterizing the ways in which consumers think about and react to demand response programs, 2) creating a meaningful taxonomy of consumer perceptions about and behavior in relation to demand response, 3) developing a framework for assembling information that may be useful in assessing the future market potential and responses of consumers to DR program offerings, and 4) establishing a detailed plan for a second phase of research intended to provide quantitative evidence of the strength of the relationships found in the phase one study and a series of possible DR program applications suggested by the phase one findings. Research Into Action leads the enthnographic study and literature review.
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