A composite indicator-based energy-efficiency benchmarking for residential buildings

Abstract

PurposeBuildings require significant energy, and meeting energy demands is becoming exceedingly challenging. Energy demand reduction goals are now prioritised as the demand is rising. Energy-saving improvements and opportunities can be provided if enough information is provided through building energy benchmarking. The study focuses on developing a framework for benchmarking the energy efficiency of residential buildings.Design/methodology/approachThis study applied multiple linear regression analysis to analyse the energy use of residential buildings and establish energy benchmarks. Over 2000 data from Jaipur city were surveyed, and regression analysis was done on 1527 datasets after fundamental statistical analysis. The research considered the significant energy used by household appliances and placed a greater emphasis on end-use appliances.FindingsThe comparison of the developed framework with the standard rating plan was carried out to evaluate the accuracy of the benchmarks. The validation of the model determines the gap between the predicted and actual value of the building energy. The recommendations were made for organisations and policymakers to employ multiple or combinations of methods to assess the reliability of the developed benchmark framework.Practical implicationsPolicymakers may promote awareness campaigns encouraging homeowners to consume less energy and make buildings more energy efficient. This technique may be applied worldwide with the proper and suitable adjustments and information provided.Originality/valueTo our knowledge, India needs residential building energy benchmarking framework studies. In addition, a new framework based on Composite Indicators was implemented to overcome the scepticism of the EPI/BPI or floor-based approach held by several academics and to offer energy benchmarking for residential buildings.