Managing Change in Domestic Renewable Energy Schemes

The UK Government proposal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the residential sector to as close to zero as possible by 2050 is highly ambitious. Many proposals, strategies and technologies exist to meet this target, however there is currently a lack of empirical research and peer-reviewed data to measure their comparative effectiveness in meeting that target. The paper reviews current literature and applies lessons learned from two case studies where renewable technologies (solar thermal and photovoltaics) were installed. User attitudes towards the renewable technologies are evaluated in both case studies. The study finds that the 2050 target is unlikely to be met using the “fit and forget” approach to renewable technologies traditionally taken by house builders and housing providers. The paper posits that an understanding of the interaction between individuals and renewables is critical to their long term success and that future renewable installations will need to be accompanied by a programme of behavioural change management to ensure the maximum benefits, both in financial and environmental terms, are obtained.