Practice reconfigurations around heat pumps in and beyond Dutch households

Journal Article (2024)
Authors

Evert Van Beek (TU Delft - Human Factors)

SU Boess (TU Delft - Human Factors)

Alessandro Bozzon (TU Delft - Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence)

E. Giaccardi (Politecnico di Milano)

Research Group
Human Factors
To reference this document use:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eist.2024.100903
More Info
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Publication Year
2024
Language
English
Related content
Research Group
Human Factors
Volume number
53
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eist.2024.100903
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Abstract

Domestic heating systems need to change to meet climate targets. We draw on practice theoretical concepts to understand what is needed to integrate heat pumps in Dutch households. From a design orientation, we view households as creative actors integrating technologies into daily life. We report on an ethnographic study of the disruptions and resulting reconfigurations that occur when heat pumps are introduced in Dutch households. Our findings reveal a variety of practice reconfigurations around heat pumps. We also find that these reconfigurations are related to and may influence other practices, including professional practices. We discuss our findings in relation to policy, technology development, and design, and conclude that the required reconfigurations in Dutch household practices could be supported, and that innovative practice reconfigurations emerging from internal household dynamics could contribute to sustainability transitions.