Developing a capabilities-based low carbon transition framework: Insights from an empirical study of home improvement practices in Australia

Low carbon dwelling improvements combine upgrades to thermal envelopes and appliances with renewable energy systems. Despite proven cost-effective options for emissions reductions and quality of life enhancements, widespread adoption remains elusive. Instead, such projects are often isolated, with uneven distribution across locations, housing contexts and socio-economic groups. Many literature and stakeholder-informed models of upscaling low carbon housing improvements are grounded in the logic that households can and will make optimising choices around long-term cost savings, and that markets of supply and demand for such home energy improvements are mature, functioning, and effective. In this paper, we demonstrate that, in reality, the achievement of low carbon home improvements is situational, social and contextual - shaped by the complexity of dwelling and householder characteristics and multiple market failures. Our study involved interviews with 161 Australian households to explore their past and planned home improvements. We focus on the socio-material dimensions of low carbon housing improvements and present an empirically-based model designed to more accurately reflect diverse societal capabilities. By combining elements of Social Practice Theories and the Capabilities Approach, we identified how social structures, norms and routines along with materials and shared understandings created and perpetuated inequalities in achieving energy-efficient, low carbon homes. Our framework suggests low carbon housing improvement policies and industry practices should address technical and affordability aspects while also considering the relational and emotional dimensions of home making. • Combines social practices and capabilities into one framework • Draws on a large dataset of householder interviews and home visits • Reveals the social construction and role of capabilities in home energy improvements • Contributes to a better understanding of inequality in home energy improvements • May help improve the uptake, equity and effectiveness of home energy improvements