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Digitalisation in Local Housing Energy Systems: Co‐Creation and Digital Literacy in the Dutch Context

Author

Listed:
  • Letizia Chiappini

    (Department of Governance and Technology for Sustainability (CSTM), University of Twente, The Netherlands / Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIAS‐KNAW), The Netherlands)

  • Frans Coenen

    (Department of Governance and Technology for Sustainability (CSTM), University of Twente, The Netherlands)

Abstract

This article critically reflects on the digitalisation of local housing energy systems. It looks at two Netherlands‐based cases and their implementation, combined with the use of digital tools. From a socio‐technical angle, it is crucial to provide energy‐consumption dashboards with a two‐fold feedback loop for residents about their energy consumption. That enables users to make informed decisions and behavioural adjustments in daily energy usage. By proposing a framework, the article introduces two new analytical categories: digital literacy and co‐creation applied to the use of interactive digital tools. The aim is to unpack new challenges of the digitalisation process and the use of dashboards in relation to the two analytical categories. To do so, the article compares two different configurations of local socio‐spatial contexts. The analysis draws upon an archive of correspondence, official documents, survey results, participant observations, multiple rounds of group interviews from the funded projects, and new in‐depth expert interviews. The results reveal that inhabitants should accept the underlying technology that revolves around decentralised energy systems and be willing to pay their share of the investment costs. Furthermore, the authors discuss the reach of digital literacy and co‐creation as emerging urban planning dilemmas. The empirical evidence is that the scale of implementation, the type of engagement with residents (tenants vs. owners vs. communities), the degree of digital literacy, and the opportunities for co‐creation activities are essential features for a more inclusive digitalisation outcome.

Suggested Citation

  • Letizia Chiappini & Frans Coenen, 2025. "Digitalisation in Local Housing Energy Systems: Co‐Creation and Digital Literacy in the Dutch Context," Urban Planning, Cogitatio Press, vol. 10.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:urbpla:v10:y:2025:a:9819
    DOI: 10.17645/up.9819
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Frans H. J. M. Coenen & Thomas Hoppe, 2022. "Renewable Energy Communities as a New Actor in Home Energy Savings," Urban Planning, Cogitatio Press, vol. 7(2), pages 108-122.
    2. Frederiks, Elisha R. & Stenner, Karen & Hobman, Elizabeth V., 2015. "Household energy use: Applying behavioural economics to understand consumer decision-making and behaviour," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 1385-1394.
    3. Simone Tappert & Asma Mehan & Pekka Tuominen & Zsuzsanna Varga, 2024. "Citizen Participation, Digital Agency, and Urban Development," Urban Planning, Cogitatio Press, vol. 9.
    4. Verena Tiefenbeck & Lorenz Goette & Kathrin Degen & Vojkan Tasic & Elgar Fleisch & Rafael Lalive & Thorsten Staake, 2018. "Overcoming Salience Bias: How Real-Time Feedback Fosters Resource Conservation," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 64(3), pages 1458-1476, March.
    5. Frans H. J. M. Coenen & Thomas Hoppe, 2022. "Renewable Energy Communities as a New Actor in Home Energy Savings," Urban Planning, Cogitatio Press, vol. 7(2), pages 108-122.
    6. Koirala, Binod Prasad & Koliou, Elta & Friege, Jonas & Hakvoort, Rudi A. & Herder, Paulien M., 2016. "Energetic communities for community energy: A review of key issues and trends shaping integrated community energy systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 56(C), pages 722-744.
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