Summary

In Sweden, construction of energy efficient new buildings using passive standards or other low energy solutions has increased remarkably. What not long ago were considered as difficult to realise now seem realistic and feasible. This research project focuses on the role of the construction client in development and innovation of sustainable construction. Although construction clients can have a key position and strong influence on the propensity for innovation of the entire industry, relatively few clients have so far chosen to assume a strong position in the innovation system of the construction industry, and the rate of innovation in construction is low compared to for example manufacturing. The paper is based on case studies of three different client organisations which all have the ambition to make low energy construction part of their normal production: one large, nation-wide government client with a long tradition, one special purpose municipally owned organisation, and a small, innovative private developer and owner of energy efficient residential buildings. The purpose is to describe and discuss the clients ’ directives, strategies and drivers to engage in low energy construction, their methods and processes to reach objectives and their continued challenges. A short theoretical framework uses theory from construction innovation and project-based organisations