Public acceptance of policies for energy efficient buildings

Public acceptance is a crucial factor in the success of policies aimed at improving the energy efficiency of buildings. Whether targeting demand flexibility, efficiency, or electrification, these policies require engagement from building owners, tenants, and consumers. Without sufficient approval, even well-designed measures may face resistance, delaying implementation and limiting impact.

This project synthesizes research on public acceptance of energy policies in buildings. It consists of two parts:

1. A review of public acceptance studies on energy-related interventions in buildings
2. An evaluation of methodological approaches that could be applied in this context

The first part identifies knowledge gaps, while the second offers a toolkit for future research. Together, these efforts provide a foundation for improving public acceptance of energy-efficient building policies.

The project will conduct a structured literature review to identify common patterns, key barriers, and drivers of support. Two colleagues from different disciplines, sociology and psychology, will serve as a sounding board, providing interdisciplinary perspectives on public perceptions and acceptance.

The expected outcome is a clearer understanding of what drives public acceptance of building decarbonization policies and a methodological framework to guide future studies. Policymakers, energy companies, and researchers will gain insights into how different policy designs affect public support, helping shape more effective and widely accepted measures.