• Marie Sølgaard Bang
  • Kristian Løbner
4. semester, By-, Energi- og Miljøplanlægning, Kandidat (Kandidatuddannelse)
This study examines how Information- and Communication Technologies (ICT) can contribute to a Socio-technical Transition towards a low energy, low carbon society in the city district Södermalm in Stockholm, Sweden. This Situation of Opportunity is inspired by backcasting and is illustrated as a scenario, which is presented as four images of a future Södermalm. A key feature in the scenario is the integration of actors (who), objects (what) and measures (how). Data for the scenario is compiled through literature reviews and two focus groups and is analysed, assessed and discussed through literature reviews and six expert interviews. A key feature is a Home Energy Management system, which is able to control the energy usage of the home and inform residents about energy performance. As a key actor, City of Stockholm is likely to take a lead in the Socio-technical Transition in collaboration with various other actors such as niche oriented companies. Inspired by the scientific approach of Critical Realism, the underlying mechanisms and structures in the scenario from perspectives of behaviour changes and Transition Management are analysed. Special attention in the process should be directed to the strategic phase, where transitions arenas are created, and the tactic phase where the agents negotiate and implement the objects. The analyses and assessments further reveal that the increased prevalence of ICT along with changes of the social structures such as norms, attitudes, beliefs and incentive structure can result in a behaviour change of the citizens in Södermalm. However, rebound effects and the role of the public authorities are discussed, and it can be concluded that the public authority plays an all-important role in the Socio-technical Transition and that rebound effects has to be systematic coped with. A high degree of environmentally sustainability can hardly be attained within the prevailing neo-classical regime. Finally, it is concluded that this Situation of Opportunity can contribute to the destabilisation of the socio-technical regime and can pave the ground for further organisational and social changes in order to enhance sustainable Socio-technical Transition.
SprogEngelsk
Udgivelsesdato9 jun. 2011
Antal sider224
ID: 52855608