Building expertise: A ‘system of professions’ approach to low-carbon housing refurbishment
In this project we are investigating the roles of professions in the UK and France in delivering the work required if there is to be comprehensive refurbishment of the existing housing stock. In both countries, the current market for low carbon refurbishment is extremely small, but needs to grow considerably and at a considerable rate if the housing sector is to make its contribution to national and international carbon reduction targets.
The questions we will be investigating include: How might different profession react to the threats and opportunities implied by low carbon refurbishment? How might the need for low carbon refurbishment change the roles and interactions of profession? How are existing professions developing to meet the challenge? Which professions will gain control over the new activities involved in low carbon refurbishment? Or will new professions be needed to carry out new role? If so, what are these roles and how will this shift influence other professions? Does the level of skill and knowledge required imply the professionalization of some roles currently seen as trades? How do the relevant institutions view this issue and how are they preparing for it?
To address these question we will draw on two broad areas of existing knowledge – research in socio-technical systems (the process of technical innovation and associated social change) and the theory of systems of professions (which has studied the interaction of professions).
This work is being undertaken in collaboration with French colleagues, based at EDF’s research centre ECLEER.
It is part of a jointly-funded EPSRC and EDF programme: People, energy and buildings.
Staff
ECI staff working on this project are: Nick Eyre (Principal Investigator), Tina Fawcett, Kathryn Janda, Gavin Killip.
Publications
- Fawcett, T. (2011) Home time: An exploration of the time dimensions of eco-renovation of housing. Energy and People Conference, Oxford, September 2011.
- Nosperger, S., Killip, G., Janda, K., 2011 Building expertise: A system of professions approach to low-carbon refurbishment in the UK and France. Proceedings of ECEEE 2011 Summer Study, 6-11 June 2011, Belambra Presqu’ile de Giens, France.