Low-energy buildings on mainstream market terms: A study of a municipal translation process

This paper looks into the challenge of actually implementing energy efficient technologies and concepts in mainstream new build. The aim of the paper is to point out some of the provisos of promoting low-energy buildings on mainstream market terms, emphasising the need to understand forces working against implementation of low-energy buildings. The study is based on actor-network theory, emphasising the relations and struggles that form the basis for pushing for low-energy buildings. The paper is based on a case study of the proactive attempt of a Danish municipality to force through an actual implementation of strict energy performance requirements in mainstream building. The paper describes how the municipality of Egedal experienced a collapse in regulation for low-energy buildings and what struggles it had to take on in order to convince the mainstream building industry and their customers to implement energy efficient technologies and concepts in the municipal urban development project. In conclusion, the paper underlines that even incremental steps towards more energy efficient buildings require setting up of the appropriate frames, establishing the necessary network, mediating actors to enrol and support innovative thinking.