1. COHERENT POLICYMAKING FRAMEWORK: A MODEL FOR EFFECTIVE POLICYMAKING & COMMUNICATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY Harn Wei Kua Dept. of Building, National University of Singapore Building Technology Program, MIT, USA

2. CONTENTS Introduction – Information Flow Introduction – Information Flow Aim of Information Flow Framework Aim of Information Flow Framework Policy Integration and Coherence Policy Integration and Coherence Building Blocks of Information Flow Framework Building Blocks of Information Flow Framework Application: Promoting Energy Efficiency Application: Promoting Energy Efficiency Conclusions Conclusions

3. INTRODUCTION – INFORMATION FLOW In Industrial Ecology, we talk about desirable material and substance flow analyses. But flow of information to enable that is oftenly neglected. In Industrial Ecology, we talk about desirable material and substance flow analyses. But flow of information to enable that is oftenly neglected. Relevance of information flow: Relevance of information flow: –Complex, self-organizing systems’ feedback mechanisms –Biological systems’ enzymic cycles Challenge and objective Challenge and objective – –‘To propose an effective information flow framework/model that promotes successful sustainable development’

4. THE AIM OF THE INFORMATION FLOW FRAMEWORK Ensure ‘coherence’ in policymaking Ensure ‘coherence’ in policymaking –Extensively studied, as a way of achieving policy integration –Related ideas are policy coordination & intergovernmental management Realize: Realize: –Integration across economy, environment and employment (often neglected!) –Defining of clear roles in organization –Encouragement of effective stakeholder communication –Effective management/innovation of knowledge

5. A BIT MORE ON POLICY INTEGRATION & ‘COHERENCE’ 10 case studies on why there are negative & unanticipated outcomes of policies; e.g. concrete aggregate tax in Sweden and Denmark 10 case studies on why there are negative & unanticipated outcomes of policies; e.g. concrete aggregate tax in Sweden and Denmark An integrated policy must: An integrated policy must: –Co-address all 3 aspects of sustainability –Encourage interaction amongst governmental and non-governmental stakeholders There must be coherence in how different indicators are addressed, in order to be real integration. There must be coherence in how different indicators are addressed, in order to be real integration.

6. 1 st BUILDING BLOCK OF THE INFORMATION FLOW FRAMEWORK 5 types of FEEDBACK LOOPS 5 types of FEEDBACK LOOPS –Coordinate goals between different levels of government (i.e. vertical integration) –Coordinate likely policy outcomes amongst different concurrent policies (i.e. horizontal integration) –Sharing of information by stakeholders about the effects of each policy –Revision of original sustainability goals, if necessary –Ensuring of continuity in sustainability action plan across different terms of office of government

7. National or state level sustainable development ‘catalyst’ Traditional boundary between local and state/national governance 2 nd BUILDING BLOCK OF THE INFORMATION FLOW FRAMEWORK Local government agency as the leader Sector or industry representatives as key ‘catalyst’ members Grass root non- government stakeholders Local level sustainable development ‘catalyst’ Other local level sustainable development ‘catalyst’ Internal bridging unit External bridging unit

8. APPLICATION OF INFORMATION FLOW FRAMEWORK Promoting Energy Efficiency

9. LESSONS FROM CURRENT ENERGY STUDIES   Household energy conservation is best addressed from a multidisciplinary perspective. (Abrahamse et al., 2005)   Energy saving technologies and policies should be applied & monitored internationally and not just confined to local markets. (de Groot et al., 2001)   Green Lights and Energy Star Office Products should account for rebound effect as well. (Howarth et al., 2000)

10. PROPOSED INTEGRATED ENERGY EFFICIENCY STRATEGY (I)   Sustainability indicators:   Environmental   CO 2 reduction, material efficiency, protection of public health from pollution   Social/Employment   Improve energy equity   Provide employment & education   Improve workers’ health & safety   Economic   Improve local economy   Reduce derived costs for firms (due to sickness & waste disposal)

11. PROPOSED INTEGRATED ENERGY EFFICIENCY STRATEGY (II)   Policy elements   Integrated sustainable development program   Energy Star + Green Lights + National Env. Perf. Track + LEED + Voluntary Protection Program   Rebound Effect Regulator   To prevent rebound effect; to balance efficiency and capacity   Company level renewable energy quota; to be tied to state- level Renewable Portfolio Standards   Need new professionals to provide consultancy service and education to firms

12. PROPOSED INTEGRATED ENERGY EFFICIENCY STRATEGY (III)   Policy elements   Sustainable Energy Ambassadors/Consultants   Establish education/training program to nurture these professionals   Possible private-public collaboration for creating local jobs   Energy Charity Foundation   ‘Energy Welfare Group’ links the needy communities to businesses and individuals   Energy saved can be donated to help needy pay for energy products and services

13. CONCLUSIONS Coherence in policy planning, execution and monitoring will contribute to successful policy integration Successful information flow framework for coherent policymaking depends on 5 feedback loops and integrated stakeholder network Framework is a source of creative integrated policy strategies