The evaluation sets out the context for sustainable housing and looks at the regulatory framework. It reports on the INTERREG project which provided 60 per cent of the cost of installing photovoltaic cells in new buildings to promote innovation. The attitudes of the main actors are examined, as are the incentives and obstacles to the further advance of sustainable housing.

The researchers find that publicity is vital for spreading the message about sustainable housing and they argue that it is crucial that innovative features work, that technical features are properly described, and that false expectations about their potential are not created. The evaluation includes a guide to incentives for the installation of photovoltaic cells.

The INTERREG project grew out of a United Kingdom Department of Trade and Industry scheme to cover 60 per cent of the cost of installing photovoltaic cells in new buildings to promote innovation. The project allowed for this percentage to rise to 100 per cent for the Kent-based development if a partner could be found in Nord-Pas de Calais.

Identical residents’ questionnaires were drawn up in English and French. The English version was mailed to residents and a house to house follow-up was done to raise the response rate. The French version was delivered to residents. From the questionnaire responses, quantitative and qualitative data was collected.

Publicity is paramount in spreading the message about sustainable housing, and it is crucial that technical features are properly described and that false expectations regarding their potential are not created. It is also crucial that innovative features work properly.

In both England and France central government has played a key role in environmental innovation, however the combination of a low emphasis on compulsion and a high emphasis on encouragement in the promotion of sustainable construction reflects the low political priority given to environmental issues.

School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research, University of Kent
Chris Pickvance, tel. +44 1227 823679

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01/10/2006

Chris Pickvance (University of Kent), Guy Chautard (ASSOHQE)

research

Urban Policy > Housing > Housing quality

Housing design & standards