Socio-technical and behavioural aspects of energy efficiency improvement in the heating sector

Based on existing studies, the project gains insights into the "acceptance of grid-bound heat supply" (subject area 1) and the "socio-technical and behavioural aspects of building energy management" (subject area 2). These are discussed in the context of existing obstacles and compared with the current set of instruments. Based on this, possible new instruments and measures to achieve this goal (acceptance and behavioural change) are designed.

In subject area 2, an experimental-transdisciplinary setting combines research and practice. Together with practice partners (6 properties), approaches for increasing efficiency are jointly developed, tested, and evaluated. The practical phase runs for two years and started in summer 2022. In this context, the experimental-transdisciplinary setting should not only help to find new instruments and tailor-made measures. The findings are to be used to overcome obstacles affecting building and energy management as quickly as possible, and in the process to show ways in which energy-efficient facility operation can be made to work by facility management.

More information about the project

Status of project

Project is ongoing

Project manager

Project staff

Dr. Corinna Fischer
Dr. Melanie Mbah
Research Coordinator for Transdisciplinary Studies / Senior Researcher Nuclear Engineering & Facility Safety
Ina Rüdenauer

Funded by

German Environment Agency (UBA)

Project partners

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE)