Evaluation of energy saving programs as a social research task

Klaus Wortmann, Forschungsgesellschaft für umweltschonende Energieumwandlung und Nutzung mbH

Abstract

Based on research experiences in evaluating in particular Schleswig-Holstein's (a county in northern Germany) energy saving programs (efficient lighting and other electricity saving measures in the public sector, Brundtland-towns), some conclusions are drawn with respect to the role of evaluation in improving energy policy programs.

Because such programs are usually eIaborated regarding technical and/or economical aspects, but often disregarding their implementation, an accompanying evaluation research is nv to determine which social or even psychological factors contribute to the success or failure of a program. In the best case the evaluation research should provide the program management with a continuous accompanying feedback about the progress of the program. Evaluation studies in Schleswig-Holstein showed for example unexpected reasons why small communities did not participate in a program for efficient lighting. The existence of conflicting objectives was detected in another program implemented to promote electricity savings in public buildings. In a third program the accompanying study led to an understanding of why it is so difficult for a small community, selected for an ambitious community-based energy program, to develop and realize its own ideas for the attainment of the high energy saving goals. In the empirical work described above a wide range of qualitative research methods (interviews, short written questionnaires, desk work) and of specific communication- respective management-techniques have been proven to he effective research instruments. At the same time these instruments are valuable for the tiuther progress and development of the program in consideration (redefinition of program objectives, new strategies for taking observed problems into account). Therefore, evaluation as described here is increasingly developing its own character as a fusion of social scientific reaearch and program management technique.