Sustainability and the Development of an Energy Efficient Housing Stock: a review of some theoretical issues

Global stabilisation of carbon emissions may require emission reductions of 60 percent in the first half of the next century and governments are placing increasing importance on energy efficiency in carbon abatement policies. However a large gap exists between what is possible and what has been achieved to date. This paper seeks to discuss the fundamental issues which should be addressed in the definition and application of energy efficiency policy designed to close the gap. It also addresses the likely impact of take-back effects (the Brookes-Khazzom postulate). The paper argues that despite the considerable work on the problem, the mechanisms which determine the propensity of individuals and organisations to invest in efficiency improvements are not well understood and that greater attention should be paid to motivational factors if a more complete understanding is to emerge.