From Efficiency to Sufficiency: Insights from the Swiss Energy Transition

Abstract

In the wake of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, the Swiss 2050 Energy Strategy aims to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy (RE) sources, and nuclear power phase-out. Against that backdrop, this chap- ter provides a brief overview of the socio-material dynamics of household energy use in Switzerland, highlighting the role of regional energy provid- ers, and the influence of building standards and social norms on everyday energy usage. We then examine current energy policies, before turning to the characteristics of Swiss sustainable energy initiatives—highlighting the important role of research—and focus on a best practice effort to support sufficiency-based transformations. We conclude with some reflections on the importance of focusing on sufficiency, rather than efficiency, in the framing and design of energy initiatives aimed at households. Keywords