A Governance Perspective on Net Zero Energy Building Niche Development in India: The Case of New Delhi

The net zero-energy building (NZEB) concept has recently gained prominence worldwide. Large scale adoption and implementation of NZEBs would potentially contribute greatly to greening of the building sector. However, it is still at a nascent stage of niche formation. This paper aims to assess the governance context for adoption and uptake of NZEBs through niche formation in India by addressing the research question: What is the state of governance in New Delhi regarding NZEB niche development? A case study research design is used to answer this question. The Governance Assessment Tool (GAT) and Strategic Niche Management (SNM) are used to analyze the New Delhi case. Data collection involved in-depth interviews with fourteen key stakeholders. Data were analyzed using the qualitative data analysis software (ATLAS.ti). The results reveal that the governance context is only marginally supportive towards NZEB niche formation due to qualities of moderate extent, flexibility and intensity. Actor network formation was identified as an important driver which influences other elements of governance, as well as factors stimulating strategic niche management.