Fouiteh, I; Santelices, J D C; Susini, A and Patel, M K (2024) Operationalising building-related energy sufficiency measures in SMEs. Buildings & Cities, 5(1), pp. 368-387. ISSN 2632-6655
Abstract
The application and potential of energy sufficiency (ES) measures is examined in non-residential buildings occupied by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The hypothesis is whether integrating ES measures into energy audits could help disseminate these measures to SMEs. This is investigated in terms of the feasibility, challenges and opportunities for the actors involved. Standard ES measures are identified that could be implemented in SMEs, and their saving potential is evaluated. A mixed-methods approach is used incorporating interviews with experts from various backgrounds, a quantitative analysis of the database containing a list of ES measures and a questionnaire to SMEs. Results demonstrate that most ES measures are cost-effective and that certain measures can lead to substantial savings. Financial incentives need to be balanced with fostering a genuine commitment to the concept of sufficiency. By integrating ES with energy efficiency measures in energy audits, the paper advocates for a role for auditors in identifying ES opportunities, necessitating a blend of standardisation, flexibility and expert collaboration. Additionally, end-user preferences for indoor conditions significantly influence ES measure acceptance, highlighting the importance of involving users in ES measures related to thermal comfort.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | buildings; business strategies; decarbonisation; energy efficiency; small and medium-sized enterprises; sufficiency; Switzerland |
| Index terms: | business strategy, commitment, energy audit, savings, user preference, database, interview, energy efficiency, financial incentive, non-residential building, quantitative analysis, collaboration, standardization, energy efficiency measure, Switzerland, questionnaire, thermal comfort |
| Subjects: | psychology, sustainability and energy, energy systems, data analysis and analytics, economic analysis, data collection methods, construction type, business, client relations, data management, environmental engineering, management, performance measurement, Geography |
| Topics: | Organizational Design, Quality Management, Digital Applications, Sustainability, Construction Technology, Stakeholder Management, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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