In advanced countries, existing dwellings contribute significantly to carbon emissions. Retrofitting dwellings to meet carbon reduction targets is a promising strategy, but technically and organizationally complex. The specific traits of both buildings and residents call for custom-made measures which take into account the technological and organisational opportunities and constraints, including the wishes and the investment potential of residents, and residents’ behaviour. In a number of countries, custom-made retrofitting approaches are therefore tried and tested. It is believed that such approaches are able to deliver the carbon reductions needed, and are better able to convince home-owners to take action than other, non-personalized programmes and incentives.
Also in the Netherlands, such a custom-made programme has been developed by the national government. This ‘block-by-block’ approach is being tried and tested between 2012 and 2014. This paper reports on a progress evaluation of this approach, based on an evaluation of five block-by-block projects. As the name of the approach suggests, the block by block approach should result in customized solutions that are a joint production of all stakeholders, including the residents. This paper presents an evaluation of 5 cases: how do they address the technological, behavioural and organisational challenges and to what extent are they expected to result in the expected carbon reduction? What lessons can be learned from these projects? Which recommendations for improvement of this approach can be formulated, also in comparison with experiences with similar approaches in other countries? To conclude, we will reflect on the extent to custom-made approaches are worthwhile pursuing, compared to more general policies and instruments to stimulate carbon reduction in existing dwellings.
