ABSTRACT
van der Heijden discusses the different types of government responses to retrofits, including coercive approaches, persuasive approaches, or a combination of both. These can range from statutory and punitive tax regimes to “nudge” techniques and voluntary programmes. The chapter explores whether the range of measures currently applied in different jurisdictions are sufficient in driving the speed of change urgently needed in the context of climate change and “shock-like” events such as the Covid-19 pandemic. It is argued that higher levels of effectiveness can be achieved by overhauling the existing building regulatory systems, combining coercive and persuasive interventions, and targeting different groups of property owners and users. Through this, there is the opportunity to develop solutions that facilitate healthy buildings and cities that make a positive contribution to our overall well-being.
