ABSTRACT
New types of green buildings and new building technologies are often taken up at low rates, even if their technical design seems promising. In such a situation, engineers or public authorities often call for sociologists to investigate the attitudes and preferences of potential adopters and to identify social barriers to a wider dissemination of such technologies. However, sociological research has the potential to go beyond investigating attitudes and behaviour and to contribute to a better understanding of the development and use of green building technologies. A number of sociological approaches summarised under the heading ‘social studies of technology’ provide an integrated view of technological design issues as part of a wider sociocultural context and bring with it not only the chance to contribute to the design and implementation of environmental technologies, but also the possibility of a greater reflexivity in the work of designers or engineers who are confronted with the sociocultural conditions of their own activities. Sociological research into technologies may bring about shifts in perspective, which may also require the rephrasing or reconceptualisation of technical issues. As Guy and Shove point out, ‘The simple question, “Who are the real users of current technical research?” threatens to undermine established positions and priorities and open the way for new lines of enquiry’ (Guy and Shove 2000: 34).
