Holistic Approach to Niche Formation: A Case on Transition to Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings in Türkiye

Abstract

The long-term challenges of climate change are becoming increasingly evident. Considering the ever-increasing need for energy in parallel with population growth and the impact of greenhouse gases, the built environment is among the issues that should be addressed as a priority. As international agreements, the EU, and national legislation become institutionalized, the need to decarbonize the built environment increases. For this reason, there is a need for an understanding that enables the transition to a more sustainable society. In line with this understanding, a transition to zero-energy buildings is required. In this article, the evaluation framework is created by combining the Transition Management (TM) approach, which is a framework developed to understand long-term changes in culture, structure, and practices for sustainable development solutions, and the Strategic Niche Management (SNM) approach, which encourages technological and social change to initiate sustainable innovations at the niche level. Applications regarding energy efficiency and niche formation for the built environment in Türkiye (Gaziantep) were discussed. When the applications and theories are evaluated together, it can be seen that the applications carried out in Gaziantep regarding Nearly Zero Energy Buildings may be starter experiments. However, these projects are insufficient to create a niche, and the developments are progressing very slowly.