Determination of cost-effective energy efficiency measures in buildings with the aid of multiple indices
Journal
Energies
Date Issued
January 2018
DOI
10.3390/en11010191
Abstract
Energy refurbishments of buildings can substantially contribute to economy-wide
energy efficiency improvements, leading to decarbonisation and additional sustainability benefits.
Prioritising the most economically promising investments is not straightforward because apart from
cost-effectiveness calculations, several real-world constraints have to be taken into account. This paper
describes an approach to assess the economically viable energy efficiency potential in the building
sector of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, with a combination of detailed engineering modelling,
cost-effectiveness calculations and real-world considerations of budgetary, technical, behavioural
and market constraints. We examine diverse cost-effectiveness indices and come up with a proposal
for prioritising specific energy investments such as the installation of heat pumps, insulation of roofs,
and replacement of lighting and electronic equipment—without however ignoring other measures
that may be economically less favourable but can realistically be implemented in a limited number of
buildings. Finally we address the governance of energy efficiency policies, focusing on weaknesses of
the current regulatory environment in Cyprus, which can be generalised for many other countries
facing similar dilemmas.
energy efficiency improvements, leading to decarbonisation and additional sustainability benefits.
Prioritising the most economically promising investments is not straightforward because apart from
cost-effectiveness calculations, several real-world constraints have to be taken into account. This paper
describes an approach to assess the economically viable energy efficiency potential in the building
sector of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, with a combination of detailed engineering modelling,
cost-effectiveness calculations and real-world considerations of budgetary, technical, behavioural
and market constraints. We examine diverse cost-effectiveness indices and come up with a proposal
for prioritising specific energy investments such as the installation of heat pumps, insulation of roofs,
and replacement of lighting and electronic equipment—without however ignoring other measures
that may be economically less favourable but can realistically be implemented in a limited number of
buildings. Finally we address the governance of energy efficiency policies, focusing on weaknesses of
the current regulatory environment in Cyprus, which can be generalised for many other countries
facing similar dilemmas.
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