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Identifying policy solutions for improving the energy efficiency of rental properties

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  • Wrigley, Koel
  • Crawford, Robert H.

Abstract

World leaders have acknowledged that climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face in the 21st century and have committed to pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels (UNFCCC, 2015). To do this, further efficiencies in energy use are needed across all sectors, many of which still offer considerable potential for improving energy efficiency. Rental properties in particular, have seen very few improvements in energy efficiency due to a range of barriers and market failures including misinformation, split incentives and an uneven power dynamic between renters and landlords. This is important as not only do rental properties account for a significant proportion of housing stock, the high proportion of low income households in rental properties are particularly vulnerable to rising energy prices. This study aimed to identify feasible policy solutions for overcoming the barriers to energy efficiency improvements in rental properties. Renters, landlords and agents were presented with five possible solutions to determine their level of support. Eight key recommendations for overcoming the barriers to energy efficiency improvements in rental properties are provided. These create a foundation for policy makers, councils and businesses to develop and target energy efficiency solutions for rental properties.

Suggested Citation

  • Wrigley, Koel & Crawford, Robert H., 2017. "Identifying policy solutions for improving the energy efficiency of rental properties," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 108(C), pages 369-378.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:108:y:2017:i:c:p:369-378
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2017.06.009
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Chenyu Lu & Peng Meng & Xueyan Zhao & Lu Jiang & Zilong Zhang & Bing Xue, 2019. "Assessing the Economic-Environmental Efficiency of Energy Consumption and Spatial Patterns in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-17, January.
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    4. Miu, Luciana & Hawkes, Adam D., 2020. "Private landlords and energy efficiency: Evidence for policymakers from a large-scale study in the United Kingdom," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 142(C).
    5. Hulse, Kath & Parkinson, Sharon & Martin, Chris & Hayward, Richard Donald, 2018. "Inquiry into the future of the private rental sector," SocArXiv 6sb8r, Center for Open Science.
    6. Chang, Chun-Ping & Wen, Jun & Zheng, Mingbo & Dong, Minyi & Hao, Yu, 2018. "Is higher government efficiency conducive to improving energy use efficiency? Evidence from OECD countries," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 65-77.
    7. Fuerst, Franz & Warren-Myers, Georgia, 2018. "Does voluntary disclosure create a green lemon problem? Energy-efficiency ratings and house prices," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 1-12.
    8. Franke, Melanie & Nadler, Claudia, 2019. "Energy efficiency in the German residential housing market: Its influence on tenants and owners," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 879-890.
    9. Chen, Chien-fei & Xu, Xiaojing & Adua, Lazarus & Briggs, Morgan & Nelson, Hannah, 2022. "Exploring the factors that influence energy use intensity across low-, middle-, and high-income households in the United States," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 168(C).
    10. Heffernan, Troy William & Daly, Matthew & Heffernan, Emma Elizabeth & Reynolds, Nina, 2021. "The carrot and the stick: Policy pathways to an environmentally sustainable rental housing sector," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 148(PA).
    11. Alasdair Reid, 2023. "Closing the Affordable Housing Gap: Identifying the Barriers Hindering the Sustainable Design and Construction of Affordable Homes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-27, May.
    12. Rana, Anber & Sadiq, Rehan & Alam, M. Shahria & Karunathilake, Hirushie & Hewage, Kasun, 2021. "Evaluation of financial incentives for green buildings in Canadian landscape," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 135(C).
    13. STANKUNIENE Gintare, 2021. "Energy Saving in Households: A Systematic Literature Review," European Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, Bucharest Economic Academy, issue 01, March.

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