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Scaling-up low-carbon urban initiatives: Towards a better understanding

Author

Listed:
  • Didi van Doren

    (Utrecht University, Netherlands)

  • Peter PJ Driessen

    (Utrecht University, Netherlands)

  • Hens Runhaar

    (Utrecht University, Netherlands
    Wageningen University and Research Centre, Netherlands)

  • Mendel Giezen

    (University of Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Abstract

In cities worldwide, low-carbon urban initiatives (LCUIs) are realised by pioneers that prove that climate mitigation strategies can be integrated in urban development trajectories. Practitioners and scholars reflect on the need to scale-up such initiatives in order to accelerate the transition to low-carbon cities. Yet, limited conceptual clarity exists regarding the meaning of the concept of ‘scaling-up’ and the factors driving this process. This article aims to contribute to practice and theory on low-carbon urban development by presenting a taxonomy on the concept of scaling-up. Moreover, an explanatory framework is presented consisting of factors expected to contribute to the impact and scaling-up of LCUIs. Two case studies were conducted to illustrate the explanatory framework. The studies are illustrative but suggest that the explanatory framework allows for a systematic understanding of how the impact of former initiatives can be explained, and how their scaling-up can be promoted.

Suggested Citation

  • Didi van Doren & Peter PJ Driessen & Hens Runhaar & Mendel Giezen, 2018. "Scaling-up low-carbon urban initiatives: Towards a better understanding," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 55(1), pages 175-194, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:55:y:2018:i:1:p:175-194
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098016640456
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Mendel Giezen, 2018. "Shifting Infrastructure Landscapes in a Circular Economy: An Institutional Work Analysis of the Water and Energy Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-17, September.
    2. van Doren, Didi & Driessen, Peter P.J. & Runhaar, Hens A.C. & Giezen, Mendel, 2020. "Learning within local government to promote the scaling-up of low-carbon initiatives: A case study in the City of Copenhagen," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 136(C).
    3. Imke Lammers & Thomas Hoppe, 2018. "Analysing the Institutional Setting of Local Renewable Energy Planning and Implementation in the EU: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-22, September.

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