Conclusion
research the relationships, the bonds that tie people together, social norms and cultural practices, and the roles of different local institutions. Some of the former quotes described a social landscape in which people share and redistribute local materials and in which ‘doing it yourself’ is highly valued. In other communities, other values might be at stake. The social landscape reveals how individuals, households, and groups connect and interact, as well as how they relate to and feel connected to their local environment. 11 This gives you an idea about what values glue the community together, which practices and behaviors are accepted, and which might be less common in the area. The social landscape provides insight into how to frame the district heating project and offers a platform for developing a co-creation approach in project planning. Gatekeepers as a tool Secondly, in anthropology, when conducting field research, a key method is to identify local ‘gatekeepers’. This can be individuals, groups, or organizations. The gatekeeper controls the ‘gate’ to the community and can give or deny you access. In district heating planning, a gatekeeper can be the local church, a sports facility, a local store owner, or a housing company. It can be a specific person, a group, or an activity that holds a specific position in the community. Finding your gatekeepers and inviting them into the design of and dialogue about a district heating system in the community is another very important step in mobilizing the community. The gatekeepers can identify other important entities in the community and help you figure out how to design the remaining process. A gatekeeper does not have to be pro- district heating. He/she can also be against it or neutral, but still hold a position in the local community, be a voice in shaping people's minds, and know all the formal and informal channels of communication.
District heating projects succeed when they are rooted in local realities. Technical and economic arguments alone are insufficient to create acceptance. Each community has its own social landscape - networks, norms, and informal structures that shape how people make decisions. Understanding these dynamics and identifying local gatekeepers is essential for meaningful engagement. By integrating social mapping and co-creation into the early planning stages, utilities and municipalities can design solutions that align with local values and practices. In short, district heating acceptance is not achieved through persuasion, but through participation.
For further information please contact: Marie Aarup, maaar@rudersdal.dk
11 Ingold, Tim, ’The perception of the environment. Essays on livelihood, dwelling and skill’, 2000
33 www.dbdh.dk
Powered by FlippingBook