Abstract
The paper adopts a whole systems framework to identify and track efforts by local government and community organisations to address issues of energy vulnerability among residents in an urban borough. When viewed through the lens of energy justice these activities appear to disappoint or not to reach all types of people they are intended to benefit. Problems arise in part because the system is fractured, lacking coordination and complementarity, and also because of a failure to account for the multiple and dynamic features of energy vulnerable clients. A whole systems approach combined with a social justice perspective offers a diagnostic tool for identifying ineffective practices and points towards the creation of better integrated and thorough methods for delivering sustainable interventions.
Highlights
Why do locally led interventions intended to address energy vulnerability in the UK tend to fall short of expectations? For example a recent study of twelve such intervention projects found them to be affected by ‘lack of resources, access to local authority data and knowledge of appropriate engagement methods’ (Reeves, 2016: 17)
We further argue that such a holistic overview of relations between community organisations, alongside local government departments, can be supported by adopting a social justice perspective to expand our comprehension of energy vulnerability
Based on findings from qualitative research we argue for considering equity and inclusiveness within a whole system approach (Jenkins et al, 2014) as a way for community organisations and local authorities to improve outcomes for energy based interventions that might contribute to wider social, economic and health objectives
Summary
For example a recent study of twelve such intervention projects found them to be affected by ‘lack of resources, access to local authority data and knowledge of appropriate engagement methods’ (Reeves, 2016: 17). These projects struggled to recruit volunteers; lacked secure funding opportunities and were rarely competent in evaluating impact (ibid.). Assessing and addressing energy vulnerability at the community scale: an interpretive case study energy vulnerable households When both kinds of organisations work together, or when community organisations work independently of the local authority, we refer to an initiative as being community led. We devote the third section to a summary of empirical research findings, which we follow with an assessment of their implications, especially with regard to future practice
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