Prices, Punishment or Pedagogics? How Norwegian Energy Conservation policies Affect Heation and Ventilation Engineering

Panel: Panel 1: Policy and Programmes - Who can deliver DSM?

Authors:
Marit Hubak, University of Trondheim
Knut H. Sörensen, University of Trondheim
Vojislav Novakovic, University of Trondheim-Norwegian Institute of Technology

Abstract

The paper analyses the construction of Norwegian policy for an econonucally efficient energy conservation (enec) and its impact on the heating and ventilation industry. Three sets of policy instruments are identified: economic (prices), regulations (punishment) and information/education (pedagogics). All three sets affect the heating and ventilation industry, and they have ctintiibuted to make enec a concern of the industry. The economic measures are supposed to be most central, but the paper argues that in fact regulations -- the building code in particular -- play a more important role in instigating innovation and renewal and correcting market imperfections. It is also observed that the recent economic crisis of the building industry has created a very difftcult situation for energy conservation.