Demand-side energy retrofit potential in existing office buildings

Purpose: Office buildings confront with the issue of high energy demand during the day time mainly due to heavy use of energy for HVAC and lighting systems. Demand-side energy retrofits (DSER) are identified as effective in controlling electricity demand of existing buildings. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the potential of incorporating DSER in to existing office buildings. The paper reports the cost benefits of using DSER in existing office buildings. Furthermore, it reveals several enablers that can be used to promote retrofits in office buildings of Sri Lanka. Design/methodology/approach: An industry survey was conducted by selecting a sample of 35 office buildings to study the usage of DSER in office buildings of Sri Lanka. Furthermore, three case studies were conducted to analyse the costs benefits of widely used DSER techniques in office buildings. Findings: Research revealed that the use of DSER techniques in existing office buildings of Sri Lanka is at a lower level. However, it found that the financial viability of those DSER was at a promising level. Furthermore, 11 enablers in two levels as organisational level and national level were identified to enhance the use of DSER. Originality/value: The study justifies the potential of DSER in reducing energy demand of existing office buildings through in-depth cost benefit analysis, which is useful for a country like Sri Lanka which faces massive energy crisis. This encourages Facility Managers towards using DSER to reduce building energy demand. Furthermore, study provides enablers at organisational and national levels to enhance the use of DSER.