Outside influence – Some effects of retrofit installers and advisors on energy behaviours in households

Abstract

We analyse qualitative data from home energy retrofit projects in England, looking beyond the boundaries of the building and its design for human behavioural influences on home energy use. We recognise that energy use is not solely determined by the decisions of building users or designers, but that intermediaries involved in energy retrofit may also be influential. Our focus is on retrofit which encompasses a range of changes to existing buildings to alter energy use.Decisions to incorporate new energy technologies into the home (both energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies), and how these technologies are then used, are shaped by the advice and action of energy efficiency advisers and energy 2 technology installers (intermediaries). Understanding the nature of this influence, and how it might be directed to increase energy efficient behaviours, is an overlooked opportunity. We found that influence was greatest at the pre-installation stage, and that influence which could be exercised post-installation was not realised. We conclude that by recognising how the role and influence of intermediaries varies at each stage of the retrofit process, policy and action can be identified to enhance the contribution intermediaries can make to changing behaviours and reducing domestic energy use. [197 words]

What Can Policy-Makers Do to Increase the Effectiveness of Building Renovation Subsidies?

“…In addition, representatives of the construction and construction planning industry-but also neighbours, relatives and friends-have an important influence on renovation decisions and probably also on (non-)free-riding behaviour. This is in line with the argumentation of authors, who argue that building professionals are important intermediaries or "middle actors" for infrastructural changes [53][54][55][56]. Furthermore, participants of the focus groups emphasize that advice services are especially effective when they reach homeowners in the very early stages of the renovation decision process.…”

Einzel- und Kleineigentümer aktivieren: Energieberatungen im Kontext der energetischen Sanierungsentscheidung

“…Im Gegensatz zu Feser und Runst (2016), die feststellen, dass Energieberater die sozialen und finanziellen Verhältnisse von Wohneigentümern außer Acht lassen, ergibt die eigene Auswertung, dass Energieberater die Verhältnisse der Ratssuchenden erfragen und Empfehlungen diesbezüglich anpassen. Eine wichtige Fähigkeit des Energieberaters ist es, die Interessen und Motive des Haushalts zu verstehen und mit der Reduzierung des Energiebedarfs zu verknüpfen (Owen und Mitchell 2015). Die Fähigkeit, auf Kundenwünsche einzugehen, ist entscheidend für eine erfolgreiche Beratung und eine nachhaltige Sanierung.…”

“…Diese Folgebesuche sind zu empfehlen, allerdings ohne spezielle Förderung bzw. Entlohnung des zusätzlichen Aufwands nicht machbar (Owen und Mitchell 2015).…”

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“…Rented accommodation is further divided into private rented (with many landlords, typically each managing a small number of properties) and social housing which is rent controlled and usually area-based, typically with large numbers of properties managed by each landlord. The importance of the builder and installer in achieving low carbon buildings through renovation and improvement is starting to be recognised (Owen et al, 2014;Owen & Mitchell, 2015;Killip, 2013). Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of less than 50 people, as well as sole traders and micro-enterprises (three people or less) are the main agents for RMI work in private homes.…”