Unseen influence—The role of low carbon retrofit advisers and installers in the adoption and use of domestic energy technology

Abstract

Abstract:Reducing climate changing emissions associated with residential property continues to be a significant challenge. Five case studies of different domestic energy technology schemes in England highlight the influence of advisers and installers in househol carbon technologies. Many of these advisers and installers are micro-enterprises working in connected groups in particular geographic areas. Such micro-enterprises form a large part of the construction sector, but despite the number of enterprises and the potential impact of changes in the behaviour of the sole traders and small firms, there appears to be little policy that specifically targets this group. Data from these case studies is presented and organised into a typological framework, in order to illustrate the range of ways in which the impact of advisers and installers can be modified. Two of the six factors in the typological framework relate to the motivation of installers themselves and how their work is perceived by their clients. By examining these factors in particular, this paper makes a novel contribution to understanding the factors that influence the take up and use of domestic energy technologies, leading to the possibility of new policy options or interventions. Green Deal is a scheme which allows private householders to repay the costs of energy efficiency improvements through their energy bills rather than needing up front capital payments. The Energy 4Companies Obligation complements the Green Deal by placing a legal requirement on energy suppliers to implement energy efficiency measures, particularly for more vulnerable groups of energy users.Energy technology retrofit clearly has potential to deliver significant emission reductions, but in practice, the success of retrofitting existing building stock to low carbon standards is dependent on social, cultural and economic change as much as technical innovation (Ravetz, 2008). Here, we investigate the role of a largely overlooked change agent in this broadly conceived retrofit process, the energy technology installers and advisers. We explore the interaction of these agents with householders in an effort to better understand their role and influence in the domestic energy retrofit process. We begin by briefly reviewing the factors that affect uptake and use of domestic energy technologies, before moving to the main focus of this paper, the influence of installers and advisers. We explore the role and impact of the adviser and installer through analysis of primary data from five English case studies. We conclude that their role is significant but that some of the characteristics of a large proportion of the advisers and installers mean that they are beyond the reach of current policy interventions. A framework for understanding individual adviser/installer attributes and competencies is developed, which we suggest can help to identify how policy and practice might reach these key individuals and unlock their potential to contribute to, and accelerate, the essential low carbon retrofit...

Collaborative business model development for home energy renovations

“…Particularly, the home renovation market is still largely dominated by micro-enterprises offering single products or services, some of which are even beyond the reach of current policy (Owen et al 2014). This can bring knowledge gaps, uncertainty on who is responsible and poor communication, ultimately resulting in a design-performance gap (Killip et al 2014).…”

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

“…Intermediaries' influence is related to their technical and social capacities [30] so successful transformation of our built environment to support reduced energy use will require changes in installer and adviser behaviour, reflecting the particular socio-technical challenges of current homes and households.…”

“…Before installation begins, even before retrofit measures have been identified and specified, decisions to incorporate new energy technologies into the home, and how to use them, are shaped by the advice and action of several intermediaries, including energy efficiency advisers and technology installers [30]. Nosberger et al [31] discuss the professionalisation of retrofit work and suggest that the required competences or capacities of these actors in the retrofit industry need to cover not only technical knowledge and skills, but personal and professional skills too.…”

Role of ‘Community Spaces’ in Residents’ Adaptation to Energy-Efficient Heating Technologies—Insights from a UK Low-Energy Housing Development

“…Intermediaries such as plumbers, electricians, and energy-efficiency advisers have been additionally found to play key roles in residents' approaches to technology engagement [32]. In a comparative case study involving five schemes across England, Owen et al [32] suggested that greater attention in policy-making needs to be paid to the role microgeneration advisors have on the ways that residents decide to adopt energy-efficient technologies.…”

“…In a comparative case study involving five schemes across England, Owen et al [32] suggested that greater attention in policy-making needs to be paid to the role microgeneration advisors have on the ways that residents decide to adopt energy-efficient technologies. Wade et al [33] similarly discussed the role plumbing merchants have in heating installers' decision-making regarding choices relating to systems and associated energy-efficient heating technologies.…”