Energy saving and transition in Europe: what’s the mood? A comparison of governance models

The topic of energy transition and energy savings for residential buildings is a crucial issue for present and future territories both with respect to environmental and climate change challenges and with respect to issues of inclusion and social justice (Rotondo et al. forthcoming). Although the literature is very fertile in this area (see, for instance, Bridge and Gailing, 2020; Scott, 2022), there are still few broad and comparative reflections on the governance of such strategies. Drawing on data collected through the ESPON NoStaGeo research on the European continent, this contribution identifies recurring European patterns in addressing energy challenges. Moreover, through the application of six analytical dimensions of governance inspired by the previous ESPON Tango research - i.e. multilevel coordination, sectoral integration, stakeholder participation, adaptability, place-based approaches and bottom-up strategies - it classifies these patterns into a territorial governance typology composed by five models: hierarchical, multilevel, network, transition and constrained, and market governance. Hierarchical governance (Jessop, 2002) centralizes authority, where the latter is concentrated at the national level, often focusing on compliance with EU directives but limiting local adaptability. Multi-level governance (Hooghe and Marks, 2003) exhibits shared authority across different levels of government. It balances national and regional priorities, promoting innovation and place-based solutions. Network governance (Rhodes, 1997), where actors collaborate beyond administrative boundaries, promotes cross-border collaboration, high sectoral integration and the use of smart technologies. Transitional and constrained governance is a hybrid model in transition from Hierarchical governance to Network governance, reflecting adaptation under financial and institutional constraints. It involves efforts to overcome institutional and financial barriers in countries that have been trying to tackle energy for less time and with fewer resources. Finally, market-oriented governance (Williamson, 1975), emphasizes collaboration with private actors. It relies on public-private partnerships to promote energy efficiency. Against the more general backdrop of the typology of spatial governance and planning systems for the public control of spatial development (Berisha et al., 2021), the study allows for the identification of some clear spatial patterns that clarify how countries that are geographically close and have similar political, cultural and spatial governance traditions tend to have similar approaches to energy. The results of the work thus attempt to provide a basis for improving governance strategies aimed to concretize the European energy transition agenda.