Energy Labeling System of Urban Residential Buildings: Market Effect and Operating Mechanism — A Case Study of Energy-Saving Renovations in the Netherlands and Its Implications
Abstract
Despite China's significant progress in energy saving renovations, during the past 10 years, problems about inefficiencies remain. In the Netherlands, the energy labeling system (ELS) effectively linked policy objectives and market forces, combined with the stepped tariffs aimed at the performance of energy-saving renovation, generating a virtuous cycle of housing energy efficiency upgrading. China may draw the experience from Netherlands. In this regard, the authors probe the market effect and operating mechanism of the Dutch ELS and the stepped tariffs. The theory of multi-level governance (MLG) is introduced to the filed investigations both in China and the Netherlands. Based on the group-interviews and depth-interviews with the officials in related agencies and the residents of retrofitting housing, the authors obtained first-hand information to ensure a close case study on Netherlands' housing ELS and its implementation, in order to provide some enlightenment for China's existing housing renovation and low carbon development.
