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An evaluation based on Service Economy theory: the case of an EDF-supported refurbishment program in rural area

Panel: Panel 3. Monitoring & evaluation: understanding change and how to deliver energy efficiency

Authors:
Joëlle Guennec, EDF R&D Département Enerbat, France
Stanislas Nösperger, EDF R&D Département Enerbat, France

Abstract

Selling services rather than products is a key feature of what is known as the Service Economy theory, which focuses on the performance of a response to functional needs. This theory has other specific key features: the incorporation of external factors in meeting functional needs, a value creation independent from the “physical” production of objects and a deep interaction with local economic development. Such a theory can be used for assessing regional energy efficiency programs beyond the single energy savings in as much as it seems more relevant to consider them in a wider local development scheme. The so-called “MDE 52-55” program seems a relevant application case to this study.

This 5 year program (2006-2010) of several million Euros has as goals: to make this territory an example in the field of energy efficiency, to propose efficient home refurbishment solutions, to boost local craftsmen’ work in the construction, and to promote training in renewable energy.

This program is also an opportunity to foster synergy between EDF (commercial and research branches), local authorities and local businesses. It will enable to improve local competencies in building technologies and revitalize the area by boosting employment. It will also encourage customers and partners to view the refurbishment as more than mere goods: what is proposed is comfort, financial services and housing improvements. And selling services rather than products is a key feature of what is known as the Service Economy theory. This theory will be the base of our program description. We also evaluate the realised refurbishment operations (such as wall insulation or heating system upgrades), as well as direct and indirect jobs creation in the studied territory within the building trade. We can hope that this new analyse could inspire new regional refurbishment programs to come. It will certainly underline the major challenge to overcome, especially supporting a new organisation of the local building sector, so that it becomes fully building and energy performance oriented.

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