A spatial perspective on the transition towards low carbon homes: evidence from the green deal

Panel: 2. Policy: governance, design, implementation and evaluation challenges

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Craig Morton, Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds
Charlie Wilson, University of East Anglia, United Kingdom
Jillian Anable, Institute for Transport Studies
University of Leeds, United Kingdom

Abstract

This paper aims to highlight the importance of environmental contexts in the pursuit of sustainability transitions by demonstrating the role local conditions play in the adoption of low carbon technologies. This aim is pursued by an empirical case study of the uptake of household energy assessments provided under the Green Deal energy policy of the United Kingdom. An analysis of uptake is presented which displays the spatial and temporal variation which has occurred throughout the lifetime of this energy policy. Through this illustration, it becomes apparent that uptake has occurred in a spatially heterogeneous manner, with certain areas of the United Kingdom exhibiting relatively high levels of adoption whilst others display comparatively low levels. A spatial regression model is specified to explain the observed spatial variation in uptake which draws attention to how the socioeconomic characteristics of the population, the attributes of the homes and the allocation of funding to local government condition the level of receptivity a particular area has to this energy policy. The findings of this analysis will likely prove of interest to the research community as evidence concerning the impact of spatial factors in energy transitions and to the policy community by demonstrating how spatial analysis can provide unique insights when evaluating the outcomes of energy policies.