Energy Efficiency and The Policy Mix

This paper both contributes to the theoretical literature on policy mixes and undertakes an empirical analysis of the current policy mixes in buildings efficiency policy in 14 European Union countries. Building on the literature and using expert knowledge, an assessment of the interaction of 55 pairs of policies is presented that identifies policy mixes likely to deliver more, less or the same energy savings in combination than singly. The theoretical assessment is compared with actual policy mixes present within the European Union, highlighting that combinations of multiple financial incentives may need further investigation. By bringing these forms of knowledge together, the authors suggest how buildings policy mixes could be made more effective, shows gaps in current knowledge and highlights key research needs.