Open Access Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington
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Residential Retrofit Policy in Chile and New Zealand: an Analysis Based on Energy Efficiency and Co-Benefits

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posted on 2021-11-12, 02:14 authored by Pérez, Alejandra

Society’s unsustainable patterns of energy consumption mean that residential energy efficiency plays a significant role in building a more sustainable society. This research analyses the process that has shaped residential retrofit policies in New Zealand and Chile; the first, a developed country with a long history of residential energy efficiency; the second, a developing country that is in the first stages of the retrofit policy process. Different theoretical approaches to residential energy efficiency were used, specifically, approaches within economic and behavioural economics theory, such as barriers theory, the rebound effect theory and co-benefits theory. A particular emphasis was given to co-benefits theory. The research found that in both Chile and New Zealand the retrofit policy process depends on critical contextual factors (e.g. global oil shocks, global financial crisis, energy security issues, electricity sector reforms and climate change mitigation policy) which trigger a sense of political urgency to address these factors. Local entities and the academic world have also contributed to shape retrofit policies. The multiple co-benefits of residential retrofit lead to a more resilient policy when governments and political will change. In the future, the co-benefits of health, fuel-poverty, fuel affordability, energy security and thermal comfort are likely to provide resilience to retrofit policies in Chile and New Zealand.

History

Copyright Date

2011-01-01

Date of Award

2011-01-01

Publisher

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Rights License

Author Retains Copyright

Degree Discipline

Environmental Studies

Degree Grantor

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Degree Level

Masters

Degree Name

Master of Environmental Studies

Victoria University of Wellington Item Type

Awarded Research Masters Thesis

Language

en_NZ

Victoria University of Wellington School

School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences

Advisors

Chapman, Ralph