Publications

The report attempts, therefore, to give a fresh look at the current energy transition’s ambitions by exploring how the combination of complex systems and social practice theories perspectives can enhance our understanding and practical implementation of the transition programme.

On 22 June 2016, the CoM Europe and Compact of Mayors announced the formation of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) - as a worldwide coalition of cities committed to fighting climate change.

Complex Systems and Social Practices in Energy Transitions is the result of an interdisciplinary effort undertaken by a group of scholars in order to stress the urgency of a double change of gear in mainstream research and policy approaches dealing with the current transition to renewable energies.

The purpose of the present guidebook is to help the Covenant of Mayors signatories to reach the commitments they have taken by signing the Covenant, and in particular to prepare within the year following their official adhesion a Baseline Emission Inventory (BEI) and a Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP).

The implementation of energy efficiency policies is challenging, and the full potential of energy efficiency is far from realised, for financial, behavioural and regulatory reasons. Obstacles include high upfront investment costs, access to finance, lack of information, split incentives and rebound effects.