ARCOM

Abstracts – Browse Results

Click on the titles below to expand the information about each abstract.
Viewing 9 results ...

Cohen, R and Bordass, B (2015) Mandating transparency about building energy performance in use. Building Research & Information, 43(04), 534-52.

Gupta, R, Gregg, M, Passmore, S and Stevens, G (2015) Intent and outcomes from the Retrofit for the Future programme: key lessons. Building Research & Information, 43(04), 435-51.

Ive, G, Murray, A and Marsh, R (2015) Cost and value ratios of operating renewed English secondary schools. Building Research & Information, 43(04), 465-85.

Janda, K B and Topouzi, M (2015) Telling tales: using stories to remake energy policy. Building Research & Information, 43(04), 516-33.

Mills, G R W, Phiri, M, Erskine, J and Price, A D F (2015) Rethinking healthcare building design quality: an evidence-based strategy. Building Research & Information, 43(04), 499-515.

Moncaster, A M and Simmons, P (2015) Policies and outcomes for UK sustainable schools. Building Research & Information, 43(04), 452-64.

Schweber, L, Lees, T and Torriti, J (2015) Framing evidence: policy design for the zero-carbon home. Building Research & Information, 43(04), 420-34.

Type: Journal Article
Keywords:
ISBN/ISSN: 0961-3218
URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/09613218.2015.1004658
Abstract:
In 2006 the UK Government announced a move to zero-carbon homes by 2016. The demand posed a major challenge to policy-makers and construction professionals entailing a protracted process of policy design. The task of giving content to this target is used to explore the role of evidence in the policy process. Whereas much literature on policy and evidence treats evidence as an external input, independent of politics, this paper explores the ongoing mutual constitution of both. Drawing on theories of policy framing and the sociology of classification, the account follows the story of a policy for Zero Carbon Homes from the parameters and values used to specify the target. Particular attention is given to the role of regulatory impact assessments (RIAs) and to the creation of a new policy venue, the Zero Carbon Hub. The analysis underlines the way in which the choices about how to model and measure the aims potentially transforms them, the importance of policy venues for transparency and the role of RIAs in the authorization of particular definitions. A more transparent, open approach to policy formulation is needed in which the framing of evidence is recognized as an integral part of the policy process.