In my work with households I also apply a "sustainability and success" model. I first work with clients to decouple "sustainability" from sacrifice and re-couple it with improved quality of life.

I drew this chart to illustrate that "quality of life" is not tied to energy uses. It compares annual US carbon load to the European's and stimulates discussion of assumptions about quality of life and its relation to carbon and energy.

I also view the US/European gap as an 'opportunity" in the US since these early efficiencies are easy to solve and are inexpensive.

As a result of these approaches homeowners find their efforts toward sustainability affirming, simpler and more rewarding.