Demand response policies for the implementation of smart grids

With the grasp of a smart grid in sight, discussions have shifted the focus of system security measures away from generation capacity; apart from modifying the supply side, demand may also be exploited to keep the system in balance. Specifically, Demand Response (DR) is the concept of consumer load modification as a result of price signaling,...

Delivering change: Towards fit-for-purpose governance of adaptation to flooding and drought

This book addresses pressing challenges of policy makers, planners and project managers in the water sector to successfully implement adaptation action. It draws on case studies about water sensitive urban design (WSUD) in Australia and the Room for the River flood protection programme in the Netherlands. The book explains a procedure for...

Structuring Socio-technical Complexity: Modelling Agent Systems using Institutional Analysis

Socio-technical systems consist of many heterogeneous decision making entities and technological artefacts. These systems are governed through public policy that unravels in a multi-scale institutional context, which ranges from norms and values to technical standards. Simulation, agent-based modelling and simulation (ABMS) in particular, is an...

Innovation development for highly energy-efficient housing: Opportunities and challenges related to the adoption of passive houses

In previous years we have seen a recognition of the significant potential that exists for reducing energy use through innovation in residential buildings. This study investigates innovation challenges and identifies opportunities that could lead to a rapid increase in the adoption of highly energy-efficient housing concepts, particularly that of...

Pilot Projects in Water Management: Practicing Change and Changing Practice

Pilot projects are widely applied in water management. They can be used to test risky innovations at confined scale, but can also be used to delay policy decisions or to advocate a particular innovation. In this book the phenomenon ‘pilot project’ is explored both theoretically and empirically. A framework to analyse pilot projects is developed...

Energy policy instruments and technical change in the residential building sector

The passing by the European Parliament of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) in 2003 obliges all European member states to implement energy regulations for buildings based on the concept of energy performance by the year 2009 ultimately. Given the importance of the development of innovations in energy technology, and a...

The Internet bubble and the impact on the development path of the telecommunication sector

In this dissertation the impact of the Internet bubble on the development path of the telecommunication sector is being explored and explained. The insights obtained are used to provide recommendations for the formation of government policy and firm strategy in the aftermath. Periods of euphoria are a recurring feature of economic development...

Connecting reason to power: Assessments, learning, and environmental policy integration in Swedish energy policy

The purpose of this thesis is to contribute to understanding what makes a policymaking system better at integrating sustainability concerns into its processes. Three questions are in focus. First, how can policy integration be understood analytically and what is its actual status in sector policy? Second, what conditions have facilitated or...

Getijden van beleid: Omslagpunten in de volkshuisvesting

What can the political-administrative management of a government ministry do in order to bring about a substantial policy change? Public policy is shaped in networks that are characterized by pluriformity of actors, interests, perceptions, and resources, and by mutual instead of unilateral dependence among the actors. Uncertainty is high and...

The ecology of metals

Commissions for Environmental Impact Assessment: Their contribution to the effectiveness of Environmental Impact Assessment