Abstract
This article examines the paradox between innovation and regulation and its implication for the adoption of sustainable technologies in the domestic sector of the construction industry. The case of UK is examined, where progress towards the inclusion of social and environmental considerations has been slow. Recent change in attitude in the private sector, combined with government initiatives, has prompted a more sustainable agenda in construction. With significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions required to meet climate change targets, the case for a particular energy-saving technology-natural thermal insulation materials for cavity wall insulation-suitable for widespread use in residential buildings, is assessed. In addition to the inherent conservatism in the construction industry, additional barriers inhibiting the uptake of new sustainable thermal insulation technologies include capital costs, the failure of the market to account for social and environmental costs and savings and their perceived cost-effectiveness and performance over a 50-year lifetime. Policy implications are drawn from the analysis. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 823-840 |
| Number of pages | 17 |
| Journal | Futures |
| Volume | 34 |
| Issue number | 9-10 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Nov 2002 |
