Energy provision and housing development: Re-thinking professional and technological relations

Abstract

Current policy externalises professional-technological interactions.Professional practises and sustainable technologies are mutually shaped. How energy is provided affects future energy consumption. Changes to professional practices influence energy provision. a b s t r a c tThis paper questions policy's approach to the implementation of sustainable technologies as part of the UK environmental policy (Code for Sustainable Homes-'the Code'). Current policy adopts a marketbased model promoting rational choice and technological determinism as a solution to the environmental challenges of carbon emissions and energy reduction. We argue that this approach externalises professional actors' situated practices by singling out isolated factors impeding policy's rationale of implementing the Code (e.g. cost). Drawing on our empirical study we identify diverse practices that transpire from professional-technology interactions, demonstrating how sustainable technologies and professional practices are mutually shaped. The important implication of our study is that these 'blackboxed' interactions directly impact on how energy is provided, with consequences for future energy consumption.

Energy transition in a lockdown: An analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on changes in electricity demand in Lagos Nigeria

“…Practices play a vital role in energy use (in general) and in electricity use (in particular) [ 7 , 8 ]. Theories of practices (or social practice theory) help us to understand how the things we do, and the way we go about doing them, impact on energy and electricity use [ 9 ].…”

Knowledge, attitude and practices of energy utilisation behaviours: a study of residential building occupants

“…Meanwhile, female students showed greater awareness. Therefore, it stands to reason that energy consumption and management could be influenced by users' awareness of the need to utilise energy (IEA, 2022), while people’s behaviour could significantly impact their energy use (Shaw and Ozaki, 2013).…”