ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that governing household carbon in the home is ultimately problematic and that the 'solution' resides across production and distribution systems and in the related regulation of resource settings of housing sustainability. It summarises three key problems with targeting carbon in households. Households are increasingly fluid, associated with pluralisation, globalisation and intensification of cities and household arrangements. Governance of household carbon needs to take account of local contexts if it is to successfully engage with households. Under standardised one-size-fits-all approaches, evaluation is normally considered purely as a measuring process rather than an iterative process of assessing, modifying, improving or even co-producing change, through discussing and acting on recommendations. To participate in society is to become embedded in consumption socially, culturally and politically. The chapter presents five major reasons for problematising the idea of governing consumption in households or by householders. Finally, it takes stock of the prospects and outlines an agenda for governing household carbon.
