Drivers and Barriers for Municipal Retrofitting Activities – Evidence from a Large-Scale Survey of German Local Authorities

30 Pages Posted: 28 Nov 2017

See all articles by Friedemann Polzin

Friedemann Polzin

Sustainable Business Institute (SBI); Utrecht University - School of Economics

Colin Nolden

University of Sussex - Science and Technology Policy Research Unit (SPRU)

Paschen von Flotow

Sustainable Business Institute (SBI)

Date Written: November 01, 2017

Abstract

Local authorities are key actors for implementing innovative energy efficiency technologies (retrofitting) to reduce end-use energy demand and consequently reduce negative effects of high energy use such as climate change and public budget deficits. This paper reports the results of a large-scale survey of German municipalities assessing drivers and barriers for deploying LED street lighting as an example of innovative retrofits. The results indicate competencies and capacities, transparency of the underlying technology base, and a clear proposition of savings are crucial drivers for municipal retrofitting engagement. Most significant barriers include lack of experience, the tendency to wait for future improvements of innovative energy efficiency technologies, and existing contracts with energy suppliers, manufacturers, or other conventional retrofitting contractors. Investments in municipal competency building (both regarding technologies and procurement) as well as diffusing standard tendering criteria and (public) monitoring their effectiveness are highly recommended to accelerate the municipal modernisation process.

Keywords: Energy Efficiency, Retrofitting, Local Authorities, LED, Lighting

Suggested Citation

Polzin, Friedemann and Polzin, Friedemann and Nolden, Colin and von Flotow, Paschen, Drivers and Barriers for Municipal Retrofitting Activities – Evidence from a Large-Scale Survey of German Local Authorities (November 01, 2017). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3076471 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3076471

Friedemann Polzin (Contact Author)

Sustainable Business Institute (SBI) ( email )

Burgstr. 4
Oestrich-Winkel, 65375
Germany

Utrecht University - School of Economics ( email )

Kriekenpitplein 21-22
Adam Smith Building
Utrecht, +31 30 253 7373 3584 EC
Netherlands

Colin Nolden

University of Sussex - Science and Technology Policy Research Unit (SPRU) ( email )

Mantell Building
Falmer
Brighton BN1 9RH UK, Sussex
United Kingdom

Paschen Von Flotow

Sustainable Business Institute (SBI) ( email )

Burgstr. 4
Oestrich-Winkel, 65375
Germany

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