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How Should Public Policy Transform the Stock of Buildings Toward Energy Efficiency and Low Emissions? Results from a System Dynamics Modeling Study of Switzerland

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Dynamic Governance of Energy Technology Change

Part of the book series: Sustainability and Innovation ((SUSTAINABILITY))

Abstract

We report on modeling work that shows how the market, technology, civil society and the state govern the diffusion of energy-efficient renovations in Switzerland’s stock of residential, multifamily buildings. The particular focus of this chapter is on the policy implications that we drew from an extensive System Dynamics modeling study. We conclude that energy efficiency is important, yet not sufficient in order to reach ambitious emission reduction goals. In addition to promoting energy efficiency, Switzerland should aim for a widespread decarbonization of heating systems. We discuss what kind of instruments can be used to address various policy levers in order to accelerate the diffusion of energy-efficient renovations. We propose two regulations that could serve as a framework for ambitious long-term decarbonization efforts. Finally, we propose a service innovation that could assist building owners in complying with the ambitious regulations required.

This chapter summarizes and further elaborates on research presented in Müller (2012, 2013). Hence, it may include identical wording taken from those publications. Previous versions of this chapter were presented at the 3rd Sustainability Conference in Basel and the 30th System Dynamics conference in St. Gallen.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    See Müller (2012, 2013) for the complete documentation of the research design and the methods we used.

  2. 2.

    Due to limitations in space, the following description is substantially abbreviated. A complete account of the feedback loop perspective is available in Müller (2012, 2013).

  3. 3.

    In order to produce computer simulations, equations have to be specified in a computer simulation software such as VENSIM.

  4. 4.

    Due to limitations in space, the following description is substantially abbreviated. A complete account of the building stock model sector is available in Müller and Ulli-Beer (2010) and Müller (2012, 2013).

  5. 5.

    Specifically, buildings are seen to be non-energy-efficient (nee) if the energy coefficient for heating is 193 MJ/m2a or higher and they are considered to be energy-efficient (ee) if the energy coefficient for heating is below 193 MJ/m2a. These values correspond to the Swiss Minergie label after 2003 and the mandatory governmental regulations after 2008 as defined by the Swiss conference of the cantonal energy directors (EDK 2008: 13).

  6. 6.

    The variable longterm minimum energy coefficient of construction was decreased by 50 %.

  7. 7.

    Thanks to Mark Zimmerman (EMPA) for helpful comments by Email (September 21, 2011).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Greenwood Strategic Advisors AG, Zugerstrasse 40, Unterägeri, 6314, Switzerland

    Matthias Otto Müller

  2. Interdisciplinary Centre for General Ecology (IKAÖ), University of Bern, Schanzeneckstr.1, Bern, 3001, Switzerland

    Ruth Kaufmann-Hayoz

  3. Seminar for Sociology (SfS), University of St. Gallen, Tigerbergstrasse 2, St. Gallen, 9000, Switzerland

    Franz Schultheis

  4. Institute of Management (IfB), University of St. Gallen, Dufourstrasse 40a, St. Gallen, 9000, Switzerland

    Markus Schwaninger

  5. General Energy Dynamics of Innovative Systems, Paul Scherrer Institut, PSI Ost, Villigen, 5232, Switzerland

    Silvia Ulli-Beer

Authors
  1. Matthias Otto Müller
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  2. Ruth Kaufmann-Hayoz
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  3. Franz Schultheis
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  5. Silvia Ulli-Beer
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Correspondence to Matthias Otto Müller .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. General Energy Dynamics of Innovative Systems, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen PSI, Switzerland

    Silvia Ulli-Beer

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Müller, M.O., Kaufmann-Hayoz, R., Schultheis, F., Schwaninger, M., Ulli-Beer, S. (2013). How Should Public Policy Transform the Stock of Buildings Toward Energy Efficiency and Low Emissions? Results from a System Dynamics Modeling Study of Switzerland. In: Ulli-Beer, S. (eds) Dynamic Governance of Energy Technology Change. Sustainability and Innovation. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-39753-0_7

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