The Challenges of Energy Efficiency Innovations in the Nordic Building Sector
The Challenges of Energy Efficiency Innovations in the Nordic Building Sector

Author: Bernan

Publisher: Nordic Council of Ministers

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 47

ISBN-13: 928931723X

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The development and diffusion of environmental technologies, which is considered to be one way of achieving the dual goals of maintaining competitiveness in a dynamic and knowledge-based economy while integrating environmental consideration in this process, may be influenced by a number of sector-specific conditions. In light of this, case studies of energy efficiency innovations in the Nordic building sector were carried out as a part of two-year research project on Green Market and Cleaner Technologies - Leading Nordic Innovation and Technological Potential for Future Markets. The studies looked into the characteristics of the industry as well as other issues influencing the three key activities of an innovation system - access to knowledge, access to resources and market formation. This report highlights some features of the building industry as well as their products which tend to pose constraints to the three innovation activities in the sector. It elucidates several strategies deployed by innovating companies to overcome some of the constraints and points to specific areas for policy interventions needed to effectively enhance innovation activities in the sector.

The Co-Creation Paradigm
The Co-Creation Paradigm

Author: Venkat Ramaswamy

Publisher: Stanford University Press

Published: 2014-04-09

Total Pages: 356

ISBN-13: 0804790752

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A fundamental shift is underway that will change how we conceive of value. In an era of increasing interconnectedness, individuals, as opposed to institutions, stand at the center of value creation. To adapt to this tectonic shift, organizations can no longer unilaterally devise products and services. They must engage stakeholders—from customers and employees to suppliers, partners, and citizens at large—as co-creators. Co-creation guru Venkat Ramaswamy and Kerimcan Ozcan call for enterprises to be mindful of lived experiences, to build engagement platforms and management systems that are designed for creative collaboration, and to develop "win more-win more" strategies that enhance our wealth, welfare, and, well-being. Richly illustrated with examples of co-creation in action, The Co-Creation Paradigm provides a blueprint for the co-creative enterprise, economy, and society, while presenting a conceptual framework that will guide organizations across sectors in adopting this transformational approach. Challenging some of our most deeply held ideas about business and value, this book outlines the future of "business as usual."

Greening the Economy
Greening the Economy

Author: John Magne Skjelvik

Publisher: Nordic Council of Ministers

Published: 2011-06

Total Pages: 173

ISBN-13: 9289322292

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After the recent financial and economic crisis, greening the economy has become a major focus for international and national discussions: How to combine forceful and effective action to meet climate change and other environmental challenges with stronger and more sustainable economic development, in both developed and developing countries. This synthesis report on the Nordic countries' environmental policy experiences, focuses on the use of economic instruments and how this policy has contributed to the integration of environmental concerns into economic growth and development policies. The report demonstrates that the Nordic countries have been successful in achieving substantial reductions in several major pollutants and clear improvements in local and regional environmental quality, while maintaining an internationally respectable rate of economic growth. This decoupling of economic development from growth in emissions has been achieved through a range of policy instruments, with a strong and increasing element of economic, market-based instruments. The challenge, and the opportunity, for the Nordic countries is to strengthen and deepen such policies, with even more effective design of and combination of policy instruments, to deal with new and remaining threats to the local, national and international environment.

Green Solar Cities
Green Solar Cities

Author: Peder Vejsig Pedersen

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2015-02-11

Total Pages: 331

ISBN-13: 1317673433

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The Green Solar Cities, EU-Concerto project focuses on the practical large scale implementation of solar energy technologies in combination with new build and retrofit low energy building in the cities of Copenhagen, with its city part Valby, in Denmark and Salzburg in Austria. This book aims to influence decision makers in European cities towards a similar approach to the Green Solar Cities project, in close cooperation with leading building component suppliers, energy companies and engaged builders also working with local city officials. This book will benefit those in a situation where many cities aim at a "Smart City" development, but without clear policies of how to achieve that in practice. In Denmark there are similar policies, with an overall aim to be CO2 neutral by year 2025 in the city of Copenhagen. However, there is still a lack of understanding concerning, how solar energy as the world’s number one energy source can play a major role here and how this can be combined with energy efficiency policies, use of district heating and combined heat and power. The general aim is to introduce the international "Active House" standard and work on "Active Roofs" of the future. The connection between solar energy and low energy building and energy renovation is aimed to be ensured by help of the "Active House" standard which has been developed in cooperation with a number of leading building component manufacturers in Europe.

Development Challenges, South-South Solutions: November 2012 Issue
Development Challenges, South-South Solutions: November 2012 Issue

Author: David South, Writer

Publisher: DSConsulting

Published:

Total Pages: 19

ISBN-13:

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Development Challenges, South-South Solutions is the monthly e-newsletter of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation in UNDP (www.southerninnovator.org). It has been published every month since 2006. Its sister publication, Southern Innovator magazine, has been published since 2011.

Innovative Green Public Procurement of Construction, IT and Transport Services in Nordic countries
Innovative Green Public Procurement of Construction, IT and Transport Services in Nordic countries

Author:

Publisher: Nordic Council of Ministers

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 106

ISBN-13: 9289320311

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The term Innovative Green Public Procurement (IGGP) comprise all public procurement activities, which seek to stimulate eco-innovation through demands and interaction with suppliers and other stakeholders with the purpose of improving the environmental performance of products and services. The eco-innovative potentials for three selected product groups are investigated through desk studies and a series of interviews with key stakeholders in the Nordic countries. The purpose was to form a picture of the potential benefits that can be achieved in the Nordic countries through IGPP. The report includes: - Identification of the eco-innovative potential of each product group - Relevant incentives for stimulating eco-innovation through public procurement - Barriers for exploiting the eco-innovation potential - Input to strategies for innovative green public procurement.

State of the Nordic Region 2020
State of the Nordic Region 2020

Author: Jokinen, Johanna

Publisher: Nordic Council of Ministers

Published: 2020-02-03

Total Pages: 172

ISBN-13: 9289364610

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Available online: https://pub.norden.org/nord2020-001/ Abstract [en] State of the Nordic Region 2020 gives you a unique look behind the scenes of the world’s most integrated region, comprised of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, along with the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland. The report presents a series of facts and figures showing the current state of play within core socioeconomic sectors, including demography, labour market and economy. In addition, you can read about wellbeing and energy pathways towards a carbon neutral Nordic Region. State of the Nordic Region 2020 is published by the Nordic Council of Ministers and produced by Nordregio, an international research center for regional development and planning established by the Nordic Council of Ministers.