The embedding of energy efficiency in the management of individual housing organisations is crucial for the realization of current ambitious energy efficiency policies. This issue is examined for the first time in this book through an analysis of selected case studies in new ‘green’ buildings, as well as in the retrofitting of existing housing, maintenance and budgeting. The links between policy ambitions, practice and housing management institutions are given particular attention. Thus the book is primarily concerned with how ambitions about energy efficiency are carried forward in investment decisions at the housing estate level. Technical and financial issues relevant for this are also addressed.

The editors combine a wealth of experience in comparative research on housing policy and housing management with a strong academic background in housing studies and economics. The book aims to be internationally comparative including a range of countries. A chapter will be devoted to each of the following countries:- Sweden; Denmark; Germany; the Netherlands; England; France; Switzerland; Austria; Czech Republic; Slovenia; Canada. The book will appeal to a large audience of students and academics who are concerned with housing issues, urban policy and politics as well as to those engaged in research in energy efficiency policies in the built environment.

1. Introduction (Nico Nieboer, Vincent Gruis, Sasha Tsenkova and Anke van Hal) 2. Sweden: integrated strategies to overcome market barriers (Paula Femenías and Anna-Lisa Lindén) 3. Denmark: Climate Partnerships in Social Housing (Lars A. Engberg) 4. Germany: sustainability versus economic feasibility (André Scharmanski and Nadine Walter) 5. The Netherlands: unsettled times for energy efficiency (Anke van Hal, Nico Nieboer and Birgit Dulski) 6. England: lessons from delivering Decent Homes and affordable warmth (Jack Hulme) 7. France: the influence of regulation and public subsidies (Frédéric Bougrain) 8. Switzerland: Non-profit housing sector - a leader in energy efficiency initiatives (Lee Ann Nicol, Margrit Hugentobler and Joris van Wezemael) 9. Austria: social housing providers at the forefront of energy efficiency (Wolfgang Amann, Alexis Mundt and Walter Hüttler) 10. Czech Republic: Energy Efficiency Increasing in a Housing Stock (Jirí Karásek and Eliška Ubralová) 11. Slovenia: do energy efficiency policies influence the quality of housing? (Andreja Cirman, Srna Mandic and Metka Sitar) 12. Canada: Energy Efficiency Retrofits - Policy Solutions for Sustainable Social Housing (Sasha Tsenkova and Karim Youssef) 13. Conclusions (Nico Nieboer, Vincent Gruis, Anke van Hal and Sasha Tsenkova)