Samenvatting

Recently climate change has been the focus of increased attention by scholars in the field of public administration. In this article the practice of implementing particular climate mitigation policies at the local level is highlighted. More specifically, attention is paid to the appliance of renewable and other non conventional energy systems in refurbishment projects in Dutch residential areas. A comparative case study analysis of eleven cases was conducted to answer the question which factors influence the adoption of innovative energy systems. The results show that the use of subsidies and supportive communicative policy instruments are of great importance. Other factors also stimulate adoption: the presence of environmentally motivated advocates in housing associations and in particular network characteristics. Strikingly, climate policy output by local authorities and the presence of urban renewal activities in the project area exercise a negative influence. Because of these insights, the article contributes to the Dutch debate on governance aspects of climate policy issues.