7 TURNING oFF THE GAS TAP: SUSTAINABLE ENERGY …
75
trenDs in nationaL househoLD energy Campaigns
in the netherLanDs
Sustainable Energy Consumption Initiatives (SECIs) in the Netherlands
reflect Dutch energy policy in various ways (Table 7.1). The clear number one issue addressed is the energy efficiency of buildings and of appliances. The slow roll-out and uptake of energy efficiency measures, as well
as renewable energy, has been recognised, and governmental actors at different levels have become better aligned by offering complementary support and services. While national energy policy for the built environment
mainly addresses building envelopes, energy sources, (smart) systems and
appliances, Dutch municipalities, and hence many SECIs, seek to facilitate
and support uptake by collaborating with commercial actors, neighbourhood initiatives, cooperatives, etc. In addition, municipalities and environmental organisations try reaching individual households with more
direct, tailored and accessible information about energy efficiency, available subsidies and other support schemes. For example, several SECIs consist of central information points, or energy coaches, who provide tailored
advice. Another frequently found type of SECI provides energy efficiency
equipment such as energy-efficient light bulbs, low-flow showerheads and
draught-excluding tape to households for free; thus, aiming to inform
about energy efficiency and providing an ‘energy starter kit’.
Table 7.1 47 exemplary SECIs in the Netherlands according to their problem
framing (Jensen et al. 2017)
Problem framing
No. of initiatives
Changes in complex interactions
2
Changes in everyday life situations
8
Changes in individuals’ behaviour
29
Changes in technology
8
75
trenDs in nationaL househoLD energy Campaigns
in the netherLanDs
Sustainable Energy Consumption Initiatives (SECIs) in the Netherlands
reflect Dutch energy policy in various ways (Table 7.1). The clear number one issue addressed is the energy efficiency of buildings and of appliances. The slow roll-out and uptake of energy efficiency measures, as well
as renewable energy, has been recognised, and governmental actors at different levels have become better aligned by offering complementary support and services. While national energy policy for the built environment
mainly addresses building envelopes, energy sources, (smart) systems and
appliances, Dutch municipalities, and hence many SECIs, seek to facilitate
and support uptake by collaborating with commercial actors, neighbourhood initiatives, cooperatives, etc. In addition, municipalities and environmental organisations try reaching individual households with more
direct, tailored and accessible information about energy efficiency, available subsidies and other support schemes. For example, several SECIs consist of central information points, or energy coaches, who provide tailored
advice. Another frequently found type of SECI provides energy efficiency
equipment such as energy-efficient light bulbs, low-flow showerheads and
draught-excluding tape to households for free; thus, aiming to inform
about energy efficiency and providing an ‘energy starter kit’.
Table 7.1 47 exemplary SECIs in the Netherlands according to their problem
framing (Jensen et al. 2017)
Problem framing
No. of initiatives
Changes in complex interactions
2
Changes in everyday life situations
8
Changes in individuals’ behaviour
29
Changes in technology
8