Bridging Energy Justice and Participatory Governance in Residential Energy Policy Under Climate Change

Abstract

Residential energy efficiency (EE) policies are increasingly recognized not only as instruments of climate mitigation but also as vehicles for social justice. Yet in many countries, including Thailand, such policies remain technocratic and economically framed, neglecting issues of equity, participation, and vulnerability. This paper advances a conceptual framework that bridges energy justice with its distributive, procedural, and recognition dimensions and participatory governance, analyzed through Fung’s Democracy Cube. By integrating these perspectives with comparative evidence from Germany, Japan, Singapore, and Thailand, the study explores how inclusive design and participatory mechanisms can enhance both the legitimacy and effectiveness of EE policy under climate change. Findings from the comparative review reveal that Thailand’s current policy architecture, dominated by technical measures such as appliance labeling and building codes, fails to systematically address the needs of low-income, elderly, and disabled populations. In contrast, Germany’s Social Climate Fund, Japan’s senior-focused outreach, and Singapore’s housing upgrade schemes demonstrate how equity-oriented mechanisms expand participation and improve uptake. Using the Democracy Cube, this study shows how broadening the range of participants, deepening modes of deliberation, and strengthening citizen influence can address persistent gaps in Thailand’s policy process. The paper contributes theoretically by proposing a justice–governance nexus framework that situates residential EE as both a climate mitigation and adaptation strategy. Practically, it outlines pathways for embedding inclusive participation into policy cycles, thereby enhancing resilience and social legitimacy. Beyond Thailand, the framework offers transferable lessons for middle-income countries navigating the twin challenges of climate change and demographic transition.