The role of policy instruments in supporting the development of mineral wool insulation in Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom

Abstract

The objective of this study has been to analyze the introduction and development of mineral wool building insulation in Germany, Sweden and the UK, and to examine the policy instruments that support these processes. The aim has been to improve our understanding of the role of the policy instruments. The analysis focuses on the development of the policy framework, the development of technology, the interaction among actors involved, the formation of networks and key learning processes regarding the development and diffusion of mineral wool insulation. The results show that private and, to some extent, public R&D and testing processes have formed the basis of technology development. Over time, successively progressive building codes and voluntary standards have come to be key drivers of the development of mineral wool building insulation. Since the beginning of the 2000s, these policy instruments have also been a main driver of the interactions among actors. Financial incentives and information have been crucial for learning and the development of knowledge in building renovations.