Upscaling energy related innovations

Awareness that fundamental change is necessary regarding our CO2 output as society has never been higher, as is reflected by results of IPCC, IEA and UFCCC. Governments, as well as local municipalities, are formulating targets in order to diminish energy usage and/or CO2 emissions. Since 40% of energy usage is related to the built environment, it is an area where important contributions are made and should be made. To be able to achieve the ambitions of major CO2 reductions the EU has set, energy efficient innovations and concepts need upscaling. In this paper an inventory was made of the possibilities to influence the process of upscaling, as perceived by actors experienced with complex energy related innovations. This consists of an overview of the possibilities of different commercial parties in the building industry and professional clients. In a parallel study possibilities were studied of governmental actors, who are able to define policy instruments. This multi-faceted approach was chosen to reflect on ways to stimulate upscaling, in which the activities of all parties should be included. The inventory presented in this paper is made in relation to energy efficient building concepts, both reducing the total amount of energy used and replacing fossil energy with sustainable energy sources. This topic is chosen due to its urgency and its complexity. Several measures and products have to function together in an integrated approach in order to reach the performance levels required. The research method was a combination of desk research, test sessions and interviews. From this study conclusions will be drawn on the possibilities different parties have for stimulating upscaling energy efficient concepts. Finally some reflections on the results will be added.