Client-oriented evaluation of 'creative destruction' in policy mixes: Finnish policies on building energy efficiency transition. (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kivimaa, Paula; Kangas, Hanna-Liisa; Lazarevic, David
• Is Part Of: Energy research & social science. Volume 33(2017)
• Page Start: 115
• Page End: 127
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: Policy mixes -- Policy evaluation -- Sustainability transitions -- Building energy efficiency; Power resources -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.erss.2017.09.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-6296

Abstract

Highlights: Using client oriented evaluation to study policy mixes in sustainability transitions. Integrated energy service companies had divergent views about the policy mix. Some tentative signs of destabilisation in building energy efficiency policy exist. Whether destabilisation unfolds depends on coherence of policy processes. New organisational or institutional practices are added as a destabilising function. Abstract: This article connects the literatures of policy evaluation, policy mixes and sustainability transition. It utilises client-oriented evaluation to examine national policies in Finland from the perspective of low-carbon buildings transition. In Finland, energy efficiency has traditionally received less focus in energy and climate policy strategies compared to renewable energy. Since 2007, energy efficiency policies addressing buildings gained force. Sixteen new policy instruments were implemented during 2007–2014 and several revisions were made to the building code energy efficiency requirements. To what extent these changes contribute to 'creative destruction' in the policy domain is uncertain. Therefore, we conduct a client-oriented evaluation of the policy mix from the perspective of a boundary actor—integrated energy service companies—to analyse its potential for facilitating zero-carbon transition. The findings show a divergence of opinions regarding the policy mix's disruptive influence. Where potentially disruptive policy instruments can be found, their impact is reduced due to incoherence in policy implementation processes. The usability of client-oriented evaluation for policy mix analysis is found limited on its own but useful in complementing top-down policy evaluations. We also propose an additional function to the creative destruction policy mix: 'changes in organisational and institutional practices', linking to the coherence of policy mixes.