{"id":1765,"date":"2022-11-23T10:18:06","date_gmt":"2022-11-23T09:18:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/enpc.ergeais.com\/?p=1765"},"modified":"2025-07-29T14:26:00","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T12:26:00","slug":"can-we-do-without-the-human-and-social-sciences-in-designing-the-energy-transition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/articles\/can-we-do-without-the-human-and-social-sciences-in-designing-the-energy-transition\/","title":{"rendered":"Can we do without the human and social sciences in designing the energy transition?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
\"\"
(Source : AdobeStock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Promoting the human and social sciences in the study of the energy transition is a long and difficult undertaking. Decision-makers and the research and innovation community generally tend to favor other fields of knowledge, such as the engineering sciences. Paradoxically so, in that the processes in question are very much embedded in our societies, in a chain of complex causalities running from upstream (choices are conditioned by ways of thinking and acting that are always situated) to downstream (technical solutions are subject to multiple forms of appropriation or rejection). The human and social sciences provide us with essential insights to understand the mechanisms of these dynamics and propose a critical point of view. While we cannot provide a complete state of the art here, we will illustrate it through three fields, which show the diverse range of perspectives offered by these disciplines, beyond economics, which is most often presented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding energy consumption patterns and uses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first field of application is the study of energy consumption patterns, through major statistical surveys (by INSEE, for example) based on socio-professional categories, age, place of residence, etc. This work contributes to the understanding of public and private decision-makers when they create observatories or develop strategies. Beyond this, the human and social sciences also allow us to understand the drivers of the act of consumption, in a more qualitative way, through the notions of uses<\/em> and practices<\/em>1<\/a><\/sup>. The research is particularly inspired by theories of practice2<\/a><\/sup>, and emphasizes the context in which this act takes place, in its material (nature of the habitat, access to infrastructures, objects), cognitive (skills, knowledge) and normative (motivations, emotions, meanings, rules) dimensions. For example, the research looks at the social norms that influence individuals, such as the norm of energy comfort, which varies across cultures3<\/a><\/sup>. The common factor between these approaches is that they question the notions of determinant and behavior, and show that individuals do not always have sufficient room for maneuver to change their habits (which is the assumption of behaviorist theories). Thus, introducing technologies or economic incentives to change practices may be ineffective if the individual lives in an overly constrained context. Worse, this objective can be unfair and a source of inequality: the setbacks of the carbon tax illustrate this. In this case, researchers in human and social sciences are not simply looking to support a necessary decision; they also aspire to fulfill a critical function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding territorial dynamics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At a time when the human and social sciences are being highlighted as a key lever of the energy transition, they also have much to contribute to the knowledge of territories. The “atlases” created by demographers and geographers make it possible to localize certain phenomena, such as fuel poverty, or to use modeling to map greenhouse gas emissions or travel flows. These are all tools for developing action strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other research looks at territories in a less static way, by considering the way in which collective action dynamics are constructed within them. Their insights are valuable for understanding, for example, the logic of renewable energy deployment, presented as a major element of the energy transition. The geographers of the “French school of proximity” (such as Michel Deshaies and Bernard Pecqueur) or the researchers mobilizing the notion of sociotechnical systems (such as Alain Nada\u00ef and Olivier Labussi\u00e8re) clearly show that between the natural source, identifiable on a map according to physical criteria, and the resource, which corresponds to the effective valorization of this potential deposit, there are heterogeneous systems of actors and technical objects that intervene, and that must be stabilized over time. In order to study them, we need to develop very detailed knowledge to help us understand the nature of the mobilizations, to question the validity of the projects rather than simply applying an arsenal of ready-made solutions (better communication, using “pedagogy”, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Analyzing public policies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A third field of application of human and social sciences is the analysis of public policies aimed at guiding energy transition processes. As well as developing critical thinking on the choices made by those in power (in terms of the goals pursued in energy strategy) and on the conditions of their elaboration (such as the democratic nature of decisions4<\/a><\/sup>), human and social sciences also allow us to evaluate the effectiveness of certain systems, with regard to the objectives they pursue. Studies on the use of taxes, zero-interest eco-loans or tax credits5<\/a><\/sup> show the real, often limited, impact of these incentive instruments, highlighting the contradictions that can exist between the objectives sought or the deadweight effects (the decisions would have been made anyway) and the rebound effects (the energy savings result in other forms of energy consumption) to which they can give rise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On another level, the research on governance questions the capacity of public actors to steer energy transition policies. It looks at, for example, the planning processes that have multiplied over the last few years, at the national (multi-year energy programming), regional (regional plans for sustainable development) and local (territorial climate, air and energy plans) levels , the articulation of which is problematic6<\/a><\/sup>. It also looks at schemes that seek to reduce fuel poverty or accelerate the thermal renovation of buildings, for which there may be acute problems of cooperation between stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These illustrations show that the study of the energy transition is also a matter for the human and social sciences, insofar as the processes concerned are based on representations, interests, values, norms, practices and modes of governance that are always the result of social constructions. In a field that is still heavily influenced by technical knowledge, it is important not to set disciplines against each other, but to build a fruitful dialog in which the balance, complementarity and diversity of research approaches are valued, in order to prevent the energy transition from becoming a matter for “specialists”, disconnected from the social issues that it may raise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Text adapted from an article published in Le Cahier des Ponts n\u00b03<\/a>, La transition \u00e9nerg\u00e9tique, May 2020.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

  1. For a summary see: MARTIN, Solange and GASPARD, Albane, 2016. Changer les comportements, faire \u00e9voluer les pratiques sociales vers plus de durabilit\u00e9. L’apport des sciences humaines et sociales pour comprendre et agir.<\/em> ADEME. \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li>
  2. GARABUAU-MOUSSAOUI, Isabelle et PIERRE, Magali, 2016. Pratiques sociales et usages de l\u2019\u00e9nergie<\/em>. Paris, Lavoisier. \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li>
  3. Studies by Wilhite, Nakagami, Masuda, Yamage and Hanada on Norway and Japan. \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li>
  4. On nuclear energy TOP\u00c7U, Sezin, 2013. La France nucl\u00e9aire. L\u2019art de gouverner une technologie contest\u00e9e<\/em>. Paris: Editions du Seuil. \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li>
  5. See for example the contribution of Arthur Jobert (chapter 7) in: GARABUAU-MOUSSAOUI, Isabelle et PIERRE, Magali, 2016. Pratiques sociales et usages de l\u2019\u00e9nergie<\/em>, op. cit<\/em>. \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li>
  6. POUPEAU, Fran\u00e7ois-Mathieu, \u00ab\u00a0Piloter la transition \u00e9nerg\u00e9tique par les d\u00e9marches strat\u00e9giques\u00a0: usine \u00e0 gaz ou atout pour l\u2019action publique\u00a0?\u00a0\u00bb, 4 pages<\/em>, PUCA, n\u00b029, d\u00e9cembre 2015 [online]. \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Promoting the human and social sciences in the study of the energy transition is a long and difficult undertaking. Decision-makers […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":1855,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_related_content_post":[],"_related_content_subject":[937,124],"_related_content_author":[1768],"_related_content_category":[1716],"_related_content_folder":[4232],"_excerpt":"As a key aspect of the ecological transition, the energy transition implies profoundly modifying the current energy system from the perspective of sustainable development and the fight against global warming. Fran\u00e7ois-Mathieu Poupeau, a researcher at the Techniques, Territories and Societies Laboratory (LATTS), explains why it is crucial to integrate the human and social sciences into research in this field in order to prevent it from becoming disconnected from the very social and governance issues that it may raise.<\/strong>","_duration":5,"_manual_duration":false,"footnotes":"[{\"content\":\"For a summary see: MARTIN, Solange and GASPARD, Albane, 2016. Changer les comportements, faire \u00e9voluer les pratiques sociales vers plus de durabilit\u00e9. L'apport des sciences humaines et sociales pour comprendre et agir.<\/em> ADEME.\",\"id\":\"ce9fe7c5-1739-4f5d-8692-a1f4cf7d3f36\"},{\"content\":\"GARABUAU-MOUSSAOUI, Isabelle et PIERRE, Magali, 2016. Pratiques sociales et usages de l\u2019\u00e9nergie<\/em>. Paris, Lavoisier.\",\"id\":\"4097582e-d1e4-4f04-8d49-b244485c3665\"},{\"content\":\"Studies by Wilhite, Nakagami, Masuda, Yamage and Hanada on Norway and Japan.\",\"id\":\"66721651-e967-408e-9fe3-393b86ef1e29\"},{\"content\":\"On nuclear energy TOP\u00c7U, Sezin, 2013. La France nucl\u00e9aire. L\u2019art de gouverner une technologie contest\u00e9e<\/em>. Paris: Editions du Seuil.\",\"id\":\"2cb7316c-28c1-4a26-b5df-b9d38371c15c\"},{\"content\":\"See for example the contribution of Arthur Jobert (chapter 7) in: GARABUAU-MOUSSAOUI, Isabelle et PIERRE, Magali, 2016. Pratiques sociales et usages de l\u2019\u00e9nergie<\/em>, op. cit<\/em>.\",\"id\":\"db583d56-cb82-4537-b8ca-081191991368\"},{\"content\":\"POUPEAU, Fran\u00e7ois-Mathieu, \u00ab\u00a0Piloter la transition \u00e9nerg\u00e9tique par les d\u00e9marches strat\u00e9giques\u00a0: usine \u00e0 gaz ou atout pour l\u2019action publique\u00a0?\u00a0\u00bb, 4 pages<\/em>, PUCA, n\u00b029, d\u00e9cembre 2015 [online].\",\"id\":\"022fd971-7570-4507-80b7-9cd821482c0e\"}]"},"article-types":[13],"class_list":["post-1765","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","article-types-article"],"has_blocks":true,"block_data":[{"blockName":"enpc\/excerpt","attrs":{"lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[],"rendered":""},{"blockName":"core\/image","attrs":{"id":1855,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"wide","className":"is-style-default","blob":"","url":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/AdobeStock_184007753-1024x576.jpeg","alt":"","caption":null,"lightbox":[],"title":"","href":"","rel":"","linkClass":"","width":"","height":"","aspectRatio":"","scale":"","linkTarget":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"style":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    \"\"
    (Source : AdobeStock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","innerContent":["\n
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    (Source : AdobeStock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n"],"rendered":"\n
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    (Source : AdobeStock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":null,"dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    Promoting the human and social sciences in the study of the energy transition is a long and difficult undertaking. Decision-makers and the research and innovation community generally tend to favor other fields of knowledge, such as the engineering sciences. Paradoxically so, in that the processes in question are very much embedded in our societies, in a chain of complex causalities running from upstream (choices are conditioned by ways of thinking and acting that are always situated) to downstream (technical solutions are subject to multiple forms of appropriation or rejection). The human and social sciences provide us with essential insights to understand the mechanisms of these dynamics and propose a critical point of view. While we cannot provide a complete state of the art here, we will illustrate it through three fields, which show the diverse range of perspectives offered by these disciplines, beyond economics, which is most often presented.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    Promoting the human and social sciences in the study of the energy transition is a long and difficult undertaking. Decision-makers and the research and innovation community generally tend to favor other fields of knowledge, such as the engineering sciences. Paradoxically so, in that the processes in question are very much embedded in our societies, in a chain of complex causalities running from upstream (choices are conditioned by ways of thinking and acting that are always situated) to downstream (technical solutions are subject to multiple forms of appropriation or rejection). The human and social sciences provide us with essential insights to understand the mechanisms of these dynamics and propose a critical point of view. While we cannot provide a complete state of the art here, we will illustrate it through three fields, which show the diverse range of perspectives offered by these disciplines, beyond economics, which is most often presented.<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    Promoting the human and social sciences in the study of the energy transition is a long and difficult undertaking. Decision-makers and the research and innovation community generally tend to favor other fields of knowledge, such as the engineering sciences. Paradoxically so, in that the processes in question are very much embedded in our societies, in a chain of complex causalities running from upstream (choices are conditioned by ways of thinking and acting that are always situated) to downstream (technical solutions are subject to multiple forms of appropriation or rejection). The human and social sciences provide us with essential insights to understand the mechanisms of these dynamics and propose a critical point of view. While we cannot provide a complete state of the art here, we will illustrate it through three fields, which show the diverse range of perspectives offered by these disciplines, beyond economics, which is most often presented.<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/heading","attrs":{"textColor":"red","textAlign":"","content":null,"level":2,"levelOptions":[],"placeholder":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"align":"","className":"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color","style":"","backgroundColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    Understanding energy consumption patterns and uses<\/h2>\n","innerContent":["\n

    Understanding energy consumption patterns and uses<\/h2>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    Understanding energy consumption patterns and uses<\/h2>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":null,"dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    The first field of application is the study of energy consumption patterns, through major statistical surveys (by INSEE, for example) based on socio-professional categories, age, place of residence, etc. This work contributes to the understanding of public and private decision-makers when they create observatories or develop strategies. Beyond this, the human and social sciences also allow us to understand the drivers of the act of consumption, in a more qualitative way, through the notions of uses<\/em> and practices<\/em>1<\/a><\/sup>. The research is particularly inspired by theories of practice2<\/a><\/sup>, and emphasizes the context in which this act takes place, in its material (nature of the habitat, access to infrastructures, objects), cognitive (skills, knowledge) and normative (motivations, emotions, meanings, rules) dimensions. For example, the research looks at the social norms that influence individuals, such as the norm of energy comfort, which varies across cultures3<\/a><\/sup>. The common factor between these approaches is that they question the notions of determinant and behavior, and show that individuals do not always have sufficient room for maneuver to change their habits (which is the assumption of behaviorist theories). Thus, introducing technologies or economic incentives to change practices may be ineffective if the individual lives in an overly constrained context. Worse, this objective can be unfair and a source of inequality: the setbacks of the carbon tax illustrate this. In this case, researchers in human and social sciences are not simply looking to support a necessary decision; they also aspire to fulfill a critical function.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    The first field of application is the study of energy consumption patterns, through major statistical surveys (by INSEE, for example) based on socio-professional categories, age, place of residence, etc. This work contributes to the understanding of public and private decision-makers when they create observatories or develop strategies. Beyond this, the human and social sciences also allow us to understand the drivers of the act of consumption, in a more qualitative way, through the notions of uses<\/em> and practices<\/em>1<\/a><\/sup>. The research is particularly inspired by theories of practice2<\/a><\/sup>, and emphasizes the context in which this act takes place, in its material (nature of the habitat, access to infrastructures, objects), cognitive (skills, knowledge) and normative (motivations, emotions, meanings, rules) dimensions. For example, the research looks at the social norms that influence individuals, such as the norm of energy comfort, which varies across cultures3<\/a><\/sup>. The common factor between these approaches is that they question the notions of determinant and behavior, and show that individuals do not always have sufficient room for maneuver to change their habits (which is the assumption of behaviorist theories). Thus, introducing technologies or economic incentives to change practices may be ineffective if the individual lives in an overly constrained context. Worse, this objective can be unfair and a source of inequality: the setbacks of the carbon tax illustrate this. In this case, researchers in human and social sciences are not simply looking to support a necessary decision; they also aspire to fulfill a critical function.<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    The first field of application is the study of energy consumption patterns, through major statistical surveys (by INSEE, for example) based on socio-professional categories, age, place of residence, etc. This work contributes to the understanding of public and private decision-makers when they create observatories or develop strategies. Beyond this, the human and social sciences also allow us to understand the drivers of the act of consumption, in a more qualitative way, through the notions of uses<\/em> and practices<\/em>1<\/a><\/sup>. The research is particularly inspired by theories of practice2<\/a><\/sup>, and emphasizes the context in which this act takes place, in its material (nature of the habitat, access to infrastructures, objects), cognitive (skills, knowledge) and normative (motivations, emotions, meanings, rules) dimensions. For example, the research looks at the social norms that influence individuals, such as the norm of energy comfort, which varies across cultures3<\/a><\/sup>. The common factor between these approaches is that they question the notions of determinant and behavior, and show that individuals do not always have sufficient room for maneuver to change their habits (which is the assumption of behaviorist theories). Thus, introducing technologies or economic incentives to change practices may be ineffective if the individual lives in an overly constrained context. Worse, this objective can be unfair and a source of inequality: the setbacks of the carbon tax illustrate this. In this case, researchers in human and social sciences are not simply looking to support a necessary decision; they also aspire to fulfill a critical function.<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/heading","attrs":{"textColor":"red","textAlign":"","content":null,"level":2,"levelOptions":[],"placeholder":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"align":"","className":"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color","style":"","backgroundColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    Understanding territorial dynamics<\/h2>\n","innerContent":["\n

    Understanding territorial dynamics<\/h2>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    Understanding territorial dynamics<\/h2>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":null,"dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    At a time when the human and social sciences are being highlighted as a key lever of the energy transition, they also have much to contribute to the knowledge of territories. The \"atlases\" created by demographers and geographers make it possible to localize certain phenomena, such as fuel poverty, or to use modeling to map greenhouse gas emissions or travel flows. These are all tools for developing action strategies.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    At a time when the human and social sciences are being highlighted as a key lever of the energy transition, they also have much to contribute to the knowledge of territories. The \"atlases\" created by demographers and geographers make it possible to localize certain phenomena, such as fuel poverty, or to use modeling to map greenhouse gas emissions or travel flows. These are all tools for developing action strategies.<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    At a time when the human and social sciences are being highlighted as a key lever of the energy transition, they also have much to contribute to the knowledge of territories. The \"atlases\" created by demographers and geographers make it possible to localize certain phenomena, such as fuel poverty, or to use modeling to map greenhouse gas emissions or travel flows. These are all tools for developing action strategies.<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":null,"dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    Other research looks at territories in a less static way, by considering the way in which collective action dynamics are constructed within them. Their insights are valuable for understanding, for example, the logic of renewable energy deployment, presented as a major element of the energy transition. The geographers of the \"French school of proximity\" (such as Michel Deshaies and Bernard Pecqueur) or the researchers mobilizing the notion of sociotechnical systems (such as Alain Nada\u00ef and Olivier Labussi\u00e8re) clearly show that between the natural source, identifiable on a map according to physical criteria, and the resource, which corresponds to the effective valorization of this potential deposit, there are heterogeneous systems of actors and technical objects that intervene, and that must be stabilized over time. In order to study them, we need to develop very detailed knowledge to help us understand the nature of the mobilizations, to question the validity of the projects rather than simply applying an arsenal of ready-made solutions (better communication, using \"pedagogy\", etc.).<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    Other research looks at territories in a less static way, by considering the way in which collective action dynamics are constructed within them. Their insights are valuable for understanding, for example, the logic of renewable energy deployment, presented as a major element of the energy transition. The geographers of the \"French school of proximity\" (such as Michel Deshaies and Bernard Pecqueur) or the researchers mobilizing the notion of sociotechnical systems (such as Alain Nada\u00ef and Olivier Labussi\u00e8re) clearly show that between the natural source, identifiable on a map according to physical criteria, and the resource, which corresponds to the effective valorization of this potential deposit, there are heterogeneous systems of actors and technical objects that intervene, and that must be stabilized over time. In order to study them, we need to develop very detailed knowledge to help us understand the nature of the mobilizations, to question the validity of the projects rather than simply applying an arsenal of ready-made solutions (better communication, using \"pedagogy\", etc.).<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    Other research looks at territories in a less static way, by considering the way in which collective action dynamics are constructed within them. Their insights are valuable for understanding, for example, the logic of renewable energy deployment, presented as a major element of the energy transition. The geographers of the \"French school of proximity\" (such as Michel Deshaies and Bernard Pecqueur) or the researchers mobilizing the notion of sociotechnical systems (such as Alain Nada\u00ef and Olivier Labussi\u00e8re) clearly show that between the natural source, identifiable on a map according to physical criteria, and the resource, which corresponds to the effective valorization of this potential deposit, there are heterogeneous systems of actors and technical objects that intervene, and that must be stabilized over time. In order to study them, we need to develop very detailed knowledge to help us understand the nature of the mobilizations, to question the validity of the projects rather than simply applying an arsenal of ready-made solutions (better communication, using \"pedagogy\", etc.).<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/heading","attrs":{"textColor":"red","textAlign":"","content":null,"level":2,"levelOptions":[],"placeholder":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"align":"","className":"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color","style":"","backgroundColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    Analyzing public policies<\/h2>\n","innerContent":["\n

    Analyzing public policies<\/h2>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    Analyzing public policies<\/h2>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":null,"dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    A third field of application of human and social sciences is the analysis of public policies aimed at guiding energy transition processes. As well as developing critical thinking on the choices made by those in power (in terms of the goals pursued in energy strategy) and on the conditions of their elaboration (such as the democratic nature of decisions4<\/a><\/sup>), human and social sciences also allow us to evaluate the effectiveness of certain systems, with regard to the objectives they pursue. Studies on the use of taxes, zero-interest eco-loans or tax credits5<\/a><\/sup> show the real, often limited, impact of these incentive instruments, highlighting the contradictions that can exist between the objectives sought or the deadweight effects (the decisions would have been made anyway) and the rebound effects (the energy savings result in other forms of energy consumption) to which they can give rise.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    A third field of application of human and social sciences is the analysis of public policies aimed at guiding energy transition processes. As well as developing critical thinking on the choices made by those in power (in terms of the goals pursued in energy strategy) and on the conditions of their elaboration (such as the democratic nature of decisions4<\/a><\/sup>), human and social sciences also allow us to evaluate the effectiveness of certain systems, with regard to the objectives they pursue. Studies on the use of taxes, zero-interest eco-loans or tax credits5<\/a><\/sup> show the real, often limited, impact of these incentive instruments, highlighting the contradictions that can exist between the objectives sought or the deadweight effects (the decisions would have been made anyway) and the rebound effects (the energy savings result in other forms of energy consumption) to which they can give rise.<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    A third field of application of human and social sciences is the analysis of public policies aimed at guiding energy transition processes. As well as developing critical thinking on the choices made by those in power (in terms of the goals pursued in energy strategy) and on the conditions of their elaboration (such as the democratic nature of decisions4<\/a><\/sup>), human and social sciences also allow us to evaluate the effectiveness of certain systems, with regard to the objectives they pursue. Studies on the use of taxes, zero-interest eco-loans or tax credits5<\/a><\/sup> show the real, often limited, impact of these incentive instruments, highlighting the contradictions that can exist between the objectives sought or the deadweight effects (the decisions would have been made anyway) and the rebound effects (the energy savings result in other forms of energy consumption) to which they can give rise.<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":null,"dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    On another level, the research on governance questions the capacity of public actors to steer energy transition policies. It looks at, for example, the planning processes that have multiplied over the last few years, at the national (multi-year energy programming), regional (regional plans for sustainable development) and local (territorial climate, air and energy plans) levels , the articulation of which is problematic6<\/a><\/sup>. It also looks at schemes that seek to reduce fuel poverty or accelerate the thermal renovation of buildings, for which there may be acute problems of cooperation between stakeholders.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    On another level, the research on governance questions the capacity of public actors to steer energy transition policies. It looks at, for example, the planning processes that have multiplied over the last few years, at the national (multi-year energy programming), regional (regional plans for sustainable development) and local (territorial climate, air and energy plans) levels , the articulation of which is problematic6<\/a><\/sup>. It also looks at schemes that seek to reduce fuel poverty or accelerate the thermal renovation of buildings, for which there may be acute problems of cooperation between stakeholders.<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    On another level, the research on governance questions the capacity of public actors to steer energy transition policies. It looks at, for example, the planning processes that have multiplied over the last few years, at the national (multi-year energy programming), regional (regional plans for sustainable development) and local (territorial climate, air and energy plans) levels , the articulation of which is problematic6<\/a><\/sup>. It also looks at schemes that seek to reduce fuel poverty or accelerate the thermal renovation of buildings, for which there may be acute problems of cooperation between stakeholders.<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":null,"dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    These illustrations show that the study of the energy transition is also a matter for the human and social sciences, insofar as the processes concerned are based on representations, interests, values, norms, practices and modes of governance that are always the result of social constructions. In a field that is still heavily influenced by technical knowledge, it is important not to set disciplines against each other, but to build a fruitful dialog in which the balance, complementarity and diversity of research approaches are valued, in order to prevent the energy transition from becoming a matter for \"specialists\", disconnected from the social issues that it may raise.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    These illustrations show that the study of the energy transition is also a matter for the human and social sciences, insofar as the processes concerned are based on representations, interests, values, norms, practices and modes of governance that are always the result of social constructions. In a field that is still heavily influenced by technical knowledge, it is important not to set disciplines against each other, but to build a fruitful dialog in which the balance, complementarity and diversity of research approaches are valued, in order to prevent the energy transition from becoming a matter for \"specialists\", disconnected from the social issues that it may raise.<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    These illustrations show that the study of the energy transition is also a matter for the human and social sciences, insofar as the processes concerned are based on representations, interests, values, norms, practices and modes of governance that are always the result of social constructions. In a field that is still heavily influenced by technical knowledge, it is important not to set disciplines against each other, but to build a fruitful dialog in which the balance, complementarity and diversity of research approaches are valued, in order to prevent the energy transition from becoming a matter for \"specialists\", disconnected from the social issues that it may raise.<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"textColor":"medium-grey","align":"","content":null,"dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"has-medium-grey-color has-text-color","style":"","backgroundColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    Text adapted from an article published in Le Cahier des Ponts n\u00b03<\/a>, La transition \u00e9nerg\u00e9tique, May 2020.<\/strong><\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    Text adapted from an article published in Le Cahier des Ponts n\u00b03<\/a>, La transition \u00e9nerg\u00e9tique, May 2020.<\/strong><\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    Text adapted from an article published in Le Cahier des Ponts n\u00b03<\/a>, La transition \u00e9nerg\u00e9tique, May 2020.<\/strong><\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/footnotes","attrs":{"lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[],"rendered":""},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":null,"dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n

    <\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n

    <\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n

    <\/p>\n"}],"seo":{"title":"Can we do without the human and social sciences in designing the energy transition?"},"media":{"img":"\"\"","src":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/AdobeStock_184007753-scaled.jpeg"},"url":"\/en\/articles\/can-we-do-without-the-human-and-social-sciences-in-designing-the-energy-transition\/","related":{"post":[],"author":[{"title":"Fran\u00e7ois-Mathieu Poupeau","url":"\/en\/authors\/francois-mathieu-poupeau\/","id":"1768","media":"\"\"","slug":"francois-mathieu-poupeau"}],"subject":[{"title":"Energy, Ecology & Climate","url":"\/en\/subjects\/energy-ecology-climate\/","id":"937","media":"\"\"","slug":"energy-ecology-climate"},{"title":"Economics & Society","url":"\/en\/subjects\/economics-society\/","id":"124","media":"\"\"","slug":"economics-society"}],"category":[{"title":"Articles","url":"\/en\/articles\/category\/articles\/","id":"1716","media":"","slug":"articles","_related_post_type":""}],"folder":[{"title":"Energy Transition","url":"\/en\/folders\/energy-transition\/","id":"4232","media":"\"\"","slug":"energy-transition"}]},"translated":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/articles\/peut-on-se-passer-des-sciences-humaines-et-sociales-pour-penser-la-transition-energetique\/","icon":"icon-article","duration":"5","custom_excerpt":"As a key aspect of the ecological transition, the energy transition implies profoundly modifying the current energy system from the perspective of sustainable development and the fight against global warming. Fran\u00e7ois-Mathieu Poupeau, a researcher at the Techniques, Territories and Societies Laboratory (LATTS), explains why it is crucial to integrate the human and social sciences into research in this field in order to prevent it from becoming disconnected from the very social and governance issues that it may raise.<\/strong>","duration_type":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1765","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1765"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1765\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8928,"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1765\/revisions\/8928"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1855"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1765"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"article-types","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article-types?post=1765"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}