Understanding and Accelerating the Diffusion Process of Energy-Efficient Buildings: Introducing an Action Science Venture

This paper describes the innovative research approach of a project that has recently been funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF). The project aims at analyzing and accelerating managerial and organizational adaptation processes that foster the diffusion of pioneering energy efficient technologies in the building sector. Psychological, managerial, and economic theories as well as results of empirical investigations about antecedents of behavior choices will be synthesized into a simulation model for a middle-sized Swiss city. The model will shed light on dynamic interactions between behavioral factors (e.g., planning, decision making and routines of the relevant actors in the building sector) and contextual factors (e.g., technological innovations, public initiatives, and market conditions), thus explaining the diffusion of energy efficient buildings in a community. The objective of the paper is to discuss the chosen approach, to explore the nature of the topic and present first research heuristics.