What enhances the relevance of this low carbon policy research? A strong blend of pertinence, commitment, application and trustworthiness

Abstract

This paper explores the factors that enhanced the relevance achieved by a specific research project concerned with the implementation of a local carbon policy in the UK. This policy required the installation of low and zero carbon (LZC) energy technologies within new homes throughout a particular borough. Sensitive to the contingent nature of relevance, the aim of the paper is not to propose universal determinants for achieving relevance in research but to crystallise out the multitude of factors that have enabled this specific piece of research in the field of human geography to reach and function effectively at the research/policy interface. The initial framework employed explores these factors under three sub‐headings derived from the extant research literature: pertinence, commitment and application. The issue of trustworthiness is then introduced as an additional sub‐heading worthy of consideration in relation to the contributing processes at work in building this research's relevance.