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Position paper - CenSES 1/2015
through suitable measures. Three set of activities
could happen: First, a more sustained effort to raise
the energy quality of existing buildings. Second, a
change in energy-related habits like small reductions in
indoor temperature, a more concerned use of electrical
equipment, shorter periods of showering, etc. Third,
a shift in transportation practices related to a mix of
increased use of collective transportation and electric/
hydrogen-based vehicles. Technological changes may
also contribute. Greater concern with climate issues
may stimulate the already dynamic introduction of
heat-pumps in many dwellings, combined with a more
conscious use of this technology. Currently, the energy
saving effect of heat-pumps is questionable. Also, both
white and brown goods are becoming more energy
efficient.
The relative share of the building stock that has
low energy or passive house standard will increase
substantially in the years to come. However, the energy
saving potential seems precarious. There has been
an unfortunate tendency among the technologically
oriented advocates of such solutions to be quite
optimistic with respect to the saving potential of these
new types of buildings. There has been too little concern
regarding how people actually live in such building, and
the obvious need for dialogue and learning has largely
been overlooked. If these challenges are being taken
more seriously, a larger share of the saving potential may
be realised.
Currently, there is a strong belief that so-called smart
metering and smart grids will produce a reduction in
residential consumption of energy. These beliefs are
mainly unwarranted but upheld through very optimistic
assumptions about the way increased and updated
information about energy consumption and price
mechanisms will affect households. However, again, the
level of concern for climate changes may factor in here.
At present, there is little reason to expect an impact
of the abovementioned new technologies. Again, if
dialogue and learning are taken more seriously, this may
make the technology more effective.
Engagement with low carbon technologies, like
electrical vehicles, solar panels and other energy
producing technologies delivering electricity and/or
heat to the buildings holds some promise. Such artefacts
may increase the interest in and concern for the way
energy is being used. Earning money from feed-in tariffs
or saving money by being increasingly independent
from the public grid may introduce a higher level of
engagement and produce energy citizenship where
taking greater responsibility for energy saving may be a
result.