Public Acceptance of Policies for Energy Efficient Buildings
Buildings are crucial in climate change mitigation, accounting for approximately 40% of the EU’s total energy consumption and nearly a third of greenhouse gas emissions. Decarbonizing the building sector is essential for achieving the EU’s energy and climate goals, requiring enhanced energy efficiency, reduced heating loads, and increased demand-side flexibility through retrofitting, smart technologies, and behavioral changes. However, even well-designed policies may face resistance if they are perceived as inconvenient, costly, or unfair. Understanding public perceptions and their underlying factors—such as trust, convenience, and perceived benefits—is vital for successful policy implementation.
This project will conduct a systematic literature review to synthesize existing research on public acceptance of decarbonization measures in buildings. By identifying common themes, challenges, and opportunities, the project will provide insights into how social, and economic factors influence public support for energy-efficient building policies. The synthesis will map knowledge gaps and offer practical guidance for fostering public engagement and acceptance of such measures.
The project outcomes will be highly relevant to policymakers working on building decarbonization in Sweden and across the EU, as well as commercial actors developing smart technologies. By synthesizing existing knowledge and highlighting areas for further research, it will help shape the design of more effective and publicly supported interventions aimed at enhancing building energy performance. Additionally, the project aims to lay a strong foundation for future studies on the topic of public acceptance in the energy transition.
Project Period: January 1st, 2025 – January 1st, 2026
Funder: Swedish Energy Agency (Resurseffektiv bebyggelse)