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A master's thesis from Aalborg University
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Energy efficiency investment in the residential sector – A critical analysis of financial measures used for increasing household investment in the UK

Author

Term

4. Term

Publication year

2016

Submitted on

Pages

87

Abstract

This thesis examines how neoliberal, market-based financial measures shape household investment in residential energy efficiency in the United Kingdom, focusing on the Green Deal and the Energy Company Obligation (ECO). Framed by climate change and the green growth agenda, residential energy upgrades are treated as both a decarbonisation strategy and an economic opportunity. The core research question asks what effects this practice—promoting energy efficiency through finance—has had on alleviating energy poverty as a matter of social justice. The study undertakes a critical policy and financial analysis informed by neoliberal environmental governance, critical urban theory, and the capabilities approach, considering the economic logic of loans and finance and the design and implementation of the Green Deal and ECO. It aims to assess whether and how such instruments can deliver both carbon reductions and fairness for vulnerable households and to identify barriers and unintended consequences. Specific findings are not included in the provided excerpt, which primarily outlines the problem, theoretical framing, and research design.

Denne afhandling undersøger, hvordan neoliberale, markedsbaserede finansielle tiltag påvirker husholdningers investeringer i energieffektivitet i Storbritannien, med særligt fokus på ordningerne Green Deal og Energy Company Obligation (ECO). Udgangspunktet er klimaforandringer og den politiske dagsorden om grøn vækst, hvor forbedret energieffektivitet i boliger ses som både et vækst- og et klimaindsatsområde. Det centrale forskningsspørgsmål er, hvilke virkninger denne praksis – at fremme energieffektivisering via finansielle ordninger – har haft for afhjælpning af energifattigdom som et spørgsmål om social retfærdighed. Afhandlingen anvender en kritisk politik- og finansanalyse informeret af neoliberalt miljøstyre, kritisk urban teori og kapabilitetsansatsen, og inddrager den økonomiske logik bag lån og finansiering samt udformning og implementering af Green Deal og ECO. Formålet er at vurdere, om og hvordan sådanne ordninger kan levere både CO2-reduktioner og social retfærdighed for sårbare husholdninger samt at identificere barrierer og utilsigtede konsekvenser. De specifikke resultater præsenteres ikke i det udvalgte uddrag, som primært dækker problemstilling, teoretisk ramme og forskningsdesign.

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