Lowering CO2 emissions in the new build social housing sector: A Spanish case study

As part of a larger UK/Spanish comparative study, this research focuses on a new build social housing development in Spain, and examines the measures being adopted by those mandated to comply with the provincial planning laws as well as the relevant national building regulations which demand the inclusion of measures to lower CO2 emission levels. Focusing on the socio-technical networks of the principal stakeholders involved, and utilizing a multi-level perspective, the research aims to better understand how provincial planning and building regulation requirements are being met, both through fabric improvements and the use of low and zero carbon technologies. Emerging findings from the case study suggest the stakeholders involved in the delivery of social housing view the introduction of such technologies differently, and this interpretation may depend on their specific view of the technology being deployed and the role they perceive it to play within their working environment. Perceptions of the new technology and fabric upgrades demanded by the new regulations are generally positive, but there is disagreement regarding technological performance and misgivings regarding its introduction given the prevailing economic situation in Spain. Implications for practice may suggest better communication between suppliers and installers, as well as some additional technical support from the technology manufacturer to help bridge perceived performance shortcomings. For policy, given the difficulty encountered during the pilot study in identifying housing developments working to the CO2 improvements mandated by the 2006 regulations, it may prove fruitful to tie future revisions of this legislation more closely to planning permission consents.