Diffusion of straw bale building in Norway and Denmark

Straw bale building is an environmentally friendly building technique that has not yet reached the broad masses of the population. This thesis seeks answers to why straw bale building has not diffused more, using Everett M. Rogers renowned theory about diffusion of innovations. Qualitative research provides data about the attributes of this particular innovation, characteristics of early adopters of the innovation, as well as other aspects like communication channels and the social context, which could tell us something about why it has not become more popular. Perceptions and experiences about straw bale building in Norway and Denmark are examined through eight interviews with both straw bale builders and straw bale experts. A comparative analysis of Norway and Denmark is also provided. The main findings are that straw bale building s complexity, time- and labour-intensiveness, and its connection to an alternative lifestyle, are factors that are hindering the innovation s diffusion. There is also a lack of information and knowledge about it in society. The thesis argues that if straw bale building is to become a viable option for a larger portion of the populations of Norway and Denmark, the reasonable way forward is its industrialization

The Nexus Concept Integrating Energy and Resource Efficiency for Policy Assessments: A Comparative Approach from Three Cases

As the world increasingly runs up against physical constraints of energy, land, water, and food, there is a growing role for policy to reduce environmental pressures without adversely affecting increases in prosperity. There is therefore a need for policy makers to understand the potential trade-offs and/or synergies between the uses of these different resources, i.e., to encompass the water⁻energy⁻food⁻land nexus for policy and decision making, where it is no longer possible to ignore the limitations in land availability and its links to other natural resources. This paper proposes a modelling approach to help to assess various policies from a nexus perspective. The global macro-econometric model (E3ME) explores a low-carbon transition through different sets of energy and climate policies applied at different spatial scales. The limitations of the E3ME model in assessing nexus interactions are discussed. The paper also argues and offers an explanation for why no single traditional or classic model has the potential to cover all parts of the nexus in a satisfactory way, including feedback loops and interactions between nexus components. Other approaches and methodologies suitable for complexity science modelling (e.g., system dynamics modelling) are proposed, providing a possible means to capture the holistic approach of the nexus in policy-making by including causal and feedback loops to the model components. Based on three case studies in Europe, the paper clarifies the different steps (from policy design towards conceptual model) in modelling the nexus linkages and interactions at the national and regional levels. One case study (The Netherlands) considers national low-carbon transitions at national level. Two other case studies (Latvia and southwest UK) focus on how renewable energy may impact the nexus. A framework is proposed for the generic application of quantitative modelling approaches to assess nexus linkages. The value of the nexus concept for the efficient use of resources is demonstrated, and recommendations for policies supporting the nexus are presented