2 FRAMING THE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY CHALLENGE …
17
Table 2.1 provides an overview which can provide a guide or insight into
what type of outputs might result from particular types of objectives, and
related methods of intervention.
energise review of 1000+ seCis CategoriseD
aCCorDing to the probLem framing typoLogy
The ENERGISE review of 1000+ European SECIs has resulted in an
overview of the share of SECIs that are underpinned by each of the four
typology categories presented above. 2 At least 75% of the SECIs are
underpinned by common energy problem framings, whereas less than
25% of SECIs seem underpinned by problem framings that challenge
underlying dynamics of (and reasons for) energy demand. Interestingly,
SECIs underpinned by alternative energy problem framings are also
primarily small-scale and local, reaching far less people and actors than
SECIs underpinned by classic energy problem framings. This is problematic, as current energy problem framings tend to prioritise (abstract) efficiency strategies, which may (1) obscure longer-term trends in demand
and societal shifts in what energy is for and (2) reproduce specific, potentially unsustainable, understandings of ‘service’, including perceived
standards for comfort and convenience (Shove 2017) (Table 2.2).
Drawing on the results of this extensive European review, each of the
following chapters in this collection concludes by showcasing a good
practice example of a European sustainable energy consumption initiative underpinned by alternative problem framings that take either everyday life situations or broader systemic complex interactions between
several practices and systems to be the target of intervention. The case
studies are practical ‘real world’ examples which are intended to serve as
inspiration for anyone who would like to know more about how initiatives underpinned by alternative problem framings can be designed and
operationalised.
2 For more information about the ENERGISE review and classification of SECIs, please
consult Jensen et al. (2018) and Jensen et al. (2017).
17
Table 2.1 provides an overview which can provide a guide or insight into
what type of outputs might result from particular types of objectives, and
related methods of intervention.
energise review of 1000+ seCis CategoriseD
aCCorDing to the probLem framing typoLogy
The ENERGISE review of 1000+ European SECIs has resulted in an
overview of the share of SECIs that are underpinned by each of the four
typology categories presented above. 2 At least 75% of the SECIs are
underpinned by common energy problem framings, whereas less than
25% of SECIs seem underpinned by problem framings that challenge
underlying dynamics of (and reasons for) energy demand. Interestingly,
SECIs underpinned by alternative energy problem framings are also
primarily small-scale and local, reaching far less people and actors than
SECIs underpinned by classic energy problem framings. This is problematic, as current energy problem framings tend to prioritise (abstract) efficiency strategies, which may (1) obscure longer-term trends in demand
and societal shifts in what energy is for and (2) reproduce specific, potentially unsustainable, understandings of ‘service’, including perceived
standards for comfort and convenience (Shove 2017) (Table 2.2).
Drawing on the results of this extensive European review, each of the
following chapters in this collection concludes by showcasing a good
practice example of a European sustainable energy consumption initiative underpinned by alternative problem framings that take either everyday life situations or broader systemic complex interactions between
several practices and systems to be the target of intervention. The case
studies are practical ‘real world’ examples which are intended to serve as
inspiration for anyone who would like to know more about how initiatives underpinned by alternative problem framings can be designed and
operationalised.
2 For more information about the ENERGISE review and classification of SECIs, please
consult Jensen et al. (2018) and Jensen et al. (2017).