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ID: 149866

Importance of instrumental, symbolic, and environmental attributes for the adoption of smart energy systems / Noppers, Ernst H; Keizer, Kees ; Milovanovic, Marko ; Steg , Linda

Noppers, Ernst H	Journal Article
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The conceptual model on motivations to adopt sustainable innovations (Noppers et al., 2014) proved to be successful in explaining proxies of the adoption of sustainable innovations: positive evaluations of the utility (instrumental attributes), environmental impact (environmental attributes), and specifically the extent to which the innovation says something about a person (symbolic attributes) increased interest in and intention to adopt sustainable innovations. In this paper, we examined to what extent the evaluations of these three attributes can also explain the actual adoption of smart energy systems that facilitate sustainable energy use. Results showed that adopters of smart energy systems (who agreed to participate in a project in which these systems were tested) evaluated the symbolic attributes of these systems more positively than non-adopters (who did not participate in this project), while both groups did not differ in their evaluation of the instrumental and environmental attributes of smart energy systems. A logistic regression analysis indicated that only evaluations of the symbolic attributes explained actual adoption of smart energy systems. Policy could stress and enhance the symbolic attributes of sustainable innovations to encourage adoption.

Key Words

Adoption of Innovations ; Symbolic Attributes ; Smart Energy Systems

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ID: 169717

Policy paradigms for optimal residential heat savings in a transition to 100% renewable energy systems / Hvelplund, Frede

Hvelplund, Frede	Journal Article
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In a transition to 100% renewable energy (RE) systems we move from a sector-based to an energy system-based heat conservation paradigm. This implies both liberation from the institutional path dependencies of the present heat sector approach and the creation of the new institutional conditions for heat conservation in integrated (RE) systems. In these systems it is much more important than in fossil fuel systems to synchronize the right amount, in time and of the right types of investments in heat conservation with investments in the energy supply system. The key findings firstly are that this synchronization is not happening in the Danish case due to institutional path dependencies in the shape of high fixed tariffs, low subsidies, split incentives and renovation codes that can be evaded. Secondly that this synchronization can be implemented by means of tariffs that reflect levelized costs of future supply systems in combination with a public guaranty for long-term low-interest loans when following the advice of certified energy consultants. Thirdly tariff philosophy should change to include the long term energy system benefits of heat conservation. The principles behind these findings are of generic interest for heat supply and heat conservation planning in the EU.

Key Words

Incentives ; Renewable Energy ; Policy Suggestions ; Smart Energy Systems ; Heat Conservation

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