Energy Efficiency Measures Research Articles

Energy Efficiency Measures in Public Sector: An Empirical Analysis of the Determinants of Adoption of Low-Cost Energy Efficiency

This research delves into the intricate interplay between leadership styles, eco-innovation, and energy efficiency in the Indonesian public sector, examining the roles of green transformational leadership and ethical leadership. Acknowledging the pivotal role of public sector institutions in fostering sustainable practices, the study addresses the ongoing debate surrounding the efficacy of these leadership styles in the context of eco-innovation and energy efficiency. Using a quantitative research approach, data was collected from 227 faculty members across various Indonesian public sector institutions through a questionnaire. SmartPLS 4 software was employed for data analysis. The findings reveal that green transformational leadership positively influences eco-innovation, yet it does not directly impact energy efficiency. Conversely, ethical leadership does not directly drive eco-innovation but demonstrates a positive association with energy efficiency. Eco-innovation emerges as a direct contributor to energy efficiency. Significantly, the research identifies eco-innovation as a mediator between green transformational leadership and energy efficiency. However, this mediating effect is not observed in the relationship between ethical leadership and energy efficiency. The study underscores the need for leadership emphasizing environmental consciousness and ethics, coupled with the promotion of eco-innovation, to effectively attain sustainability and energy efficiency objectives within the Indonesian public sector.

Looking beyond energy efficiency and the role of financial literacy in experiencing fuel poverty: Evidence from Irish homeowners

Previous research has established that an effective way to fight fuel poverty is to increase levels of energy efficiency in residential buildings. A different strand of research has shown that the adoption of energy efficiency measures is more likely if people have high financial literacy. We combine these two strands of research by conducting a new survey among Irish homeowners and directly analysing the association between financial literacy and fuel poverty. Given that energy efficiency renovation is not always economically viable, we also investigate the drivers of other strategies to cope with high energy prices, such as switching the household’s energy supplier and using direct debit payments. While our results confirm that high energy efficiency is associated with lower fuel poverty, at least for some measures, we find no evidence of a link between people’s financial literacy and the energy efficiency level of their homes. We find only weak evidence of a direct negative association between financial literacy and fuel poverty. We investigate several related aspects of fuel poverty using our survey data. We find that low overall household income is strongly associated with a higher prevalence of subjective measures of fuel poverty, a lower likelihood to engage in some energy cost mitigation strategies, and the likelihood to see administrative challenges as insurmountable barriers in the retrofit process. Policy measures aiming to reduce fuel poverty or increase energy efficiency or financial literacy should therefore all focus on low-income households.

A cluster-based appliance-level-of-use demand response program design

The ever-intensifying threat of climate change renders the electric power system undergoing a profound transition toward net-zero emissions. Energy efficiency measures, such as demand response, facilitate the transformation to jointly relieve consumers’ financial burden and improve the operability of the electric power grid, in a carbon-free way. In this paper, we design a cluster-based appliance-level-of-use demand response program, based on the massive volume of appliance consumption data, to expand the role demand response can play in the power grid’s low-carbon transition. We systematically model the appliance-level utility function to distinguish consumers’ distinct consumption patterns. We then develop a bi-level optimization model to capture the interactions between individual consumers and a distribution system operator (DSO) and enable appliance-level-of-use demand response functions. To further improve the efficiency and scalability of the proposed mechanism, we propose a cluster-based approach to capture the heterogeneity of users based on their energy consumption behaviors. Simulation results show that by capturing the detailed appliance-level response patterns, the proposed approach can systematically improve overall social welfare compared with conventional demand response mechanisms.

LEVERAGING PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOLS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN HVAC OPERATIONS: A PATH TO CLIMATE RESILIENCE

Efficient management of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is paramount for mitigating energy consumption and enhancing climate resilience in modern infrastructure. This review explores the significance of leveraging project management tools to optimize energy efficiency within HVAC operations, thus fostering a pathway towards climate resilience. The integration of project management methodologies offers a systematic approach to address challenges associated with energy consumption in HVAC systems, thereby facilitating informed decision-making processes. Firstly, the review delves into the pressing need for energy conservation in HVAC operations amidst escalating concerns over climate change and its adverse impacts. The imperative to minimize energy consumption in buildings, particularly through HVAC systems, is highlighted as a pivotal step towards achieving climate resilience and sustainability goals. Subsequently, the review outlines the role of project management tools in orchestrating effective strategies to enhance energy efficiency within HVAC operations. By employing techniques such as project scheduling, risk management, and resource allocation, project managers can streamline the implementation of energy-efficient measures, thereby optimizing HVAC system performance and reducing carbon emissions. Moreover, the review underscores the importance of data analytics and technological advancements in augmenting the efficacy of project management tools for energy efficiency in HVAC operations. Leveraging real-time data monitoring, predictive analytics, and IoT-enabled devices enables proactive maintenance and continuous optimization of HVAC systems, thereby maximizing energy savings and bolstering climate resilience. Furthermore, the review elucidates the potential benefits and challenges associated with the adoption of project management tools for energy efficiency in HVAC operations. While improved cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability, and operational performance emerge as primary benefits, challenges such as initial investment costs, technological complexities, and organizational inertia necessitate careful consideration. This review advocates for the integration of project management tools as a viable approach to foster energy efficiency in HVAC operations, thereby paving the way towards enhanced climate resilience and sustainability in built environments. By embracing innovative methodologies and technological solutions, stakeholders can mitigate energy consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and fortify infrastructure against the impacts of climate change.
 Keywords: HVAC, Climate Resilience, Project Management, Energy, Review.

An NnSnRK1-centered regulatory network of shade-induced early termination of flowering in lotus

The flowering process of lotus is highly sensitive to environmental conditions such as canopy shade and cloudy days, which often lead to abortion of the flower buds. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Based on transcriptome analysis and genetics screens, we found that silencing of SNF1-related protein kinase 1 (NnSnRK1) gene in lotus could promote flowering and reduce flower bud abortion under carbon starvation induced by 70% shade. Transcriptome analysis of NnSnRK1-overexpressed or -silenced lotus revealed that DEGs were mainly associated with ROS homeostasis, cell enlargement, and autophagy processes. Excessive autophagy levels and cell death were detected in the aborting flower buds. We further used NnSnRK1 as the bait to screen the yeast two-hybrid library constructed with RNA isolated from mixed lotus flower buds, and identified 14 putative interacting proteins of NnSnRK1. Two novel negative regulators of NnSnRK1, mediator of ABA regulated dormancy1 (NnMARD1) and 4-coumarate-CoA ligase-like 5 (Nn4CLL5), were identified. Overexpression of NnMARD1 and Nn4CLL5 could promote flowering of lotus under 70% shade, while silencing of them further inhibited flowering. Our results revealed a NnSnRK1-centring regulatory network that produced aborted flower buds during carbon starvation, which could improve reproductive success, and act like an energy-efficient measure of plants.

A Study on the Effect of Belly‐Dragging Locomotion on a Robot that Mimics a Heavy Reptile

This study investigates the effect of tortoise‐inspired locomotion on enhancing energy efficiency in legged robots. Tortoises, known for their high locomotion efficiency, provide a unique model for robot and gait design, where their specific gait and posture significantly contribute to energy efficiency. This study hypothesizes that the gait and belly‐dragging posture of tortoises can improve the energy efficiency of robots. To test this hypothesis, a quadruped robot mimicking these tortoise characteristics is developed, utilizing the cost of transport (CoT) as a measure of energy efficiency. Dynamic simulations and real‐world experiments are conducted, varying parameters like robot size, mass, friction coefficient, and Froude number, to validate the generality of the findings. The results indicate that both belly dragging, a postural characteristic of tortoises, and their diagonal gait significantly lower the robot's CoT. This suggests that the energy‐efficient locomotion of tortoises, specifically the diagonal gait with belly dragging, is transferable to robotic platforms to enhance energy efficiency. The tortoise‐inspired robot design offers significant potential in applications such as search and rescue operations, space exploration, and payload transportation. Furthermore, the tortoise‐inspired locomotion strategy can be effectively integrated with other research focusing on energy efficiency improvements through mechanical structures or control strategies.

Understanding transaction costs of energy efficiency renovations in the Swedish residential sector

The residential sector has a large potential to reduce its energy use. Improving the energy performance of buildings is one way to realise this potential. For single-family buildings, improving the energy efficiency by energy renovations can produce a net financial gain. However, there are unaccounted barriers that act as impediments for house-owners to undertake energy efficiency measures. This study postulates that transaction costs are such a barrier. Transaction costs are defined as the cost of making an economic exchange on a market in addition to the market price. The purpose is to empirically estimate the magnitude of the transactions costs and its determinants for energy efficiency measures in the residential sector. Specifically, the transaction costs for heat insulation and energy-saving windows in Swedish single-family buildings are assessed. The analysis is based on a unique dataset, constructed from a web-based survey. The results indicate that transaction costs for energy efficiency measures are considerable. The average transaction cost to make additional heat insulation is SEK 18,046 (EUR 1,510) and SEK 21,106 (EUR 1,766) to install energy-saving windows. The determinants of the transaction costs are cognitive limitations, social connectedness, asset specificity and previous experiences. Therefore, to reduce the transaction costs, the complexity of energy efficiency measures must be addressed, potential opportunistic behaviour must be reduced, and financial options expanded.

Enhancing Energy Efficiency in a Palestinian Dairy Factory Utilizing RETScreen Expert

This paper delves into the intricacies of optimizing energy utilization within a dairy manufacturing facility situated in Palestine through the utilization of RETScreen Expert. An exhaustive energy audit is undertaken to meticulously scrutinize and comprehend the existing energy landscape within the dairy factory. This investigation is specifically oriented towards the evaluation of seven distinct energy efficiency strategies, encompassing aspects such as lighting enhancements, insulation upgrades, the maintenance of steam traps, mitigation of steam leaks, harnessing heat recovery mechanisms, and the installation of a solar water heating system. The study extends its purview to encompass environmental concerns, encompassing the estimation of CO2 emissions, and conducts a comprehensive assessment of the economic feasibility associated with these proposed measures. The findings of this investigation unequivocally reveal the substantial potential for diminishing energy consumption and curtailing CO2 emissions, alongside the concurrent enhancement of economic viability through the judicious implementation of the aforementioned energy efficiency initiatives. In essence, this scholarly work serves as a valuable resource, shedding light on the advantageous outcomes achieved by the incorporation of energy efficiency measures within industrial frameworks. It underscores the imperative of a holistic approach, where both environmental and economic dimensions are harmoniously considered in the decision-making processes pertaining to energy-related initiatives.

A Transdisciplinary Approach and Design Thinking Methodology: For Applications to Complex Problems and Energy Transition

In this paper, we outline a transdisciplinary approach and design thinking methodology (TADTM) to tackle complex problems. Our premise is that these problems need a fundamental understanding of technological solutions and those for human interactions, business operations, financing, socioeconomic governance, legislation, and regulations. They must be approached by different decisionmakers from different disciplines to establish seamless interactions and structured teamwork. In this regard, we emphasize the need for a transdisciplinary framework that accounts for personal preferences based on human behavior as well as the traditional interdisciplinary frameworks. To test and prove our hypothesis, three case studies are discussed. Case Study 1 is based on our studies at a major medical establishment, and Case Study 2 is about the integrated engineering and architecture approach we used at our university campus. Case Study 3 is based on an ongoing project to lead industrial corporations to change their energy policies with practical energy efficiency measures and by adapting renewable/alternative energy adaptations for their operations. Developing creative solutions and strategies to decrease atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions requires such an energy transition framework and should involve every person, company, entity, and all governments. It can only be achieved with efforts on both local and global levels, which needs to convince (a) industries to change their traditional operation modalities, (b) people to alter their consumption behaviors, and (c) governments to change their rules, regulations, and incentives. The complexity and magnitude of this enormous task demand the coordination and collaboration of all stakeholders, as well as the need for technological innovations.

ROLE OF THE GREEN ECONOMY IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Effects that are Beneficial to the Natural World The green economy has the potential to play a number of vital functions, with the accomplishment of environmental sustainability and the development of solutions to major environmental challenges being two of the most important roles that it may potentially play. All of these tasks, as well as others, are within the scope of possibility for an economy that prioritizes environmental sustainability. This is made possible by the organization placing a significant emphasis on environmentally responsible business practices, renewable energy sources, and the effective use of available resources. As a direct consequence of this, there are a great many advantageous effects on the surrounding environment. These advantages can be seen all around. There is a connection between having a sustainable economy and reducing the amount of greenhouse gasses that are released into the atmosphere. The subsequent sentence provides further evidence of this link. One of the key goals of the transition to renewable energy sources and other energy efficiency measures is to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which are among the most significant contributors to climate change. Other energy saving techniques also aim to improve overall energy efficiency. This target is one of the primary goals that must be accomplished during the transition.

Mitigating the Energy Consumption and Carbon Emissions of a Residential Area in a Tropical City Using Digital Twin Technology: A Case Study of Bertam, Penang

As of 2022, roughly 79.8% of Malaysia’s population resides in urban areas, increasing the population density of its cities. The hot and humid climate in Malaysia necessitates the constant use of air conditioning, especially in cities, resulting in high residential electric consumption and carbon emissions. The residential sector significantly contributes to global climate change, accounting for 27% of global energy consumption and 17% of carbon emissions. To address this concern, the local framework of the National Low Carbon Cities Masterplan (NLCCM) is advocating for a minimum 33% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 in urban settings, aligning with the commitments made at the 15th Conference of Parties (COP 15). The aim of this study was to determine the energy consumption and carbon emission of residential areas in a tropical city, as well as explore potential energy and carbon savings. Utilizing the Intelligent Communities Lifecycle–Intelligent Community Design (iCL-iCD) energy simulation software, a digital twin of Bertam City, Penang, was developed. This digital model included 65.4% residential housing, which, in the specific scenario under study, accounted for 36% of the city’s electrical energy consumption for cooling purposes only. An early simulation of the residential areas of the city estimated the baseline energy consumption and carbon emissions to be 607 GWh and 314,736 tCO2e, respectively. Several energy-efficient measures were applied to the residential area of Bertam City, revealing a potential saving of 37.3% in both energy and carbon emissions.

Rethinking Energy Security in Indonesia from a Net Zero Perspective

This study aims at examining in what way and to what extent Indonesia can safeguard its energy security from a net zero perspective. To achieve the objective of this study, the current and projected figures of three variables of the country’s energy system—the total emissions of Kyoto gases, CO2 emissions per sector, and primary energy mix—up to the end of the century were calculated. To shed light on these variables, IMAGE 3.2, an Integrated Assessment Model (IAM) was used. Three scenarios that include CurPol, NDC, and Glasgow were reviewed. This study found that the country's reliance on finite fossil fuels becomes unavoidable, potentially causing Indonesia to miss its net zero target while also being vulnerable to energy crises. It is found that neither strategy described in the country’s current policies nor in its NDC are in line with the country’s net-zero target.This situation is exacerbated by the fact that Indonesia has not enshrined its net zero target in law, leaving the country’s net zero commitment merely as a proposal rather than a pledge. Thus, if Indonesia is committed to ensure its energy security while also meeting its net zero target, it becomes imperative for the country to advance energy efficiency measures, incorporate carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology to control the emissions of ffossil fuels, and significantly increase the shares of renewables (solar and biomass in particular) to at least 50%in the country's primary energy mix.

Optimising Energy Efficiency through Effective Supply Chain Management: A Comparative Study

Energy Efficiency (EE) is a crucial resource for social and financial development, benefiting everyone through EE developers in society. Encouraging energy problem alignment with corporate company goals increases productivity, profitability, quality, and cost reductions. EE is an essential benefit for organizations, not merely a minor concern. Most companies, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), need help adopting EE measures and even encounter opposition. Funding and awareness (particularly of life cycle cost impacts) are the biggest obstacles. One way weaker organizations might overcome such constraints and improve EE is from the Supply Chain (SC) perspective. Since most EE studies and practical strategies concentrate on single-firm energy usage, this article examines peer-reviewed journal articles on EE incorporation in SC development and oversight to identify research needs. Several literature evaluations have focused on sustainability or Supply Chain Management (SCM), but none have addressed EE. First, this article explains how energy usage in SCM improves systemic EE. Then, a study technique is developed, and the selected publications are examined and classed by their methodologies.

Agritourism Facilities in the Era of the Green Economy: A Combined Energy Audit and Life Cycle Assessment Approach for the Sustainable Regeneration of Rural Structures

This paper aims to investigate potential strategies to reduce energy consumption and environmental impacts of a recently converted rural complex into an agri-spa in a high environmental value area within the province of Viterbo (Italy). Actual operational data on appliances, climate, and energy consumption are employed for the energy audit. While this analysis generally provides energy-saving solutions, such options are not examined for their life cycle environmental impacts. The current article is based on the experimentation of a consolidated methodological approach in the scientific literature, integrating the energy audit, life cycle assessment (LCA), and economic analysis (Life Cycle Cost) to assess a series of energy-efficiency measures designed for the new wellness centre function. The combined use of these well-established procedures provides a comprehensive assessment of intervention scenarios for a particularly energy-intensive type of case study, not yet widely documented in the literature. The results reveal that energy consumption related to heating/cooling is marginal compared to the actual electrical consumption in the specific case study. Therefore, the most efficient scenarios involve installing photovoltaic systems and replacing gas boilers with high-efficiency heat pumps, especially with economically advantageous insulation. This leads to a 51% reduction in energy consumption and an 81% decrease in heating, DHW, and electricity costs.

Addressing building related energy burden, air pollution, and carbon emissions of a low-income community in Southern California

This study examines the impact of low-income assistance and electrification programs on a disadvantaged community in Southern California. An urban building energy model is paired with an AC power flow and electric distribution system degradation model to evaluate how the cost of energy, carbon emissions, and pollutant emissions change after applying building weatherization, energy efficiency, and electrification measures to the community. Results show that traditional weatherization and energy efficiency measures (upgrading lighting and appliances, improving insulation to current building code standards) are the most cost-effective, reducing the cost of energy and carbon emissions by 10–20 % for the current community. Heat pump water heaters offer a 40 % average reduction in carbon emissions and almost 50 % decrease in criteria pollutant emissions, but at a cost increase of 17–22 %. Appliance electrification also reduces carbon emissions 5–10 % but increases cost by 7 % to 25 %. For reducing carbon, government programs that support building electrification are most cost-effective when they combine switching from natural gas to electricity with high efficiency system. Electrifying hot water and appliances effectively reduces emissions but must be paired with improved low-income assistance programs to prevent increased energy burden for low-income families. The urban building energy model and electrical distribution simulations used in this study can be replicated in other low-income communities.

ЭМИССИЯ ПАРНИКОВЫХ ГАЗОВ КАК МЕРА ЭНЕРГОЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ПРИ ОЦЕНКЕ ЖИЗНЕННОГО ЦИКЛА УДОБРЕНИЙ

The article examines the problem of energy efficiency in the chain from the production of fertilizers to their logistics, application, and waste production and disposal based on the huge amount of data accumulated in recent years on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (primarily CO2 and methane). Carbon dioxide emissions are shown to occur primarily from fuel combustion, as well as from the use of methane and CO2 as precursors for nitrogen fertilizers. GHG emissions can be considered as a measure of energy efficiency when assessing the life cycle of mineral fertilizers. Relevant examples are given

Improvement energy performance for GHG mitigation - a case of FPSO vessel platform in Oil & Gas offshore production

This study offers an in-depth review of specific facets of the oil and gas industry, emphasizing the role of Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels. It delves into diverse topics, highlighting potential opportunities, a solid research methodology for emissions quantification, and the pivotal challenge of reducing GHG emissions. Among the multitude of opportunities analyzed within the industry's value chain, the upstream sector - encompassing both exploration and production of oil and natural gas - receives considerable focus. This sector can be further divided into key segments characterized by high energy consumption and consequent significant emissions. Notably, the combustion of natural gas for power generation stands out, contributing a substantial 68% of CO2 emissions at related facilities. This process is a primary target for mitigation and energy efficiency enhancements. The intricate interplay between energy generation and CO2 emissions stands at the forefront of current research, emphasizing the need for improving vessel energy efficiency. This paper employs a case-based methodology, evaluating the effectiveness of energy efficiency measures within an FPSO setting and their resulting impact on GHG emissions. Central to this inquiry is a detailed examination of the FPSO Fluminense, strategically located within Brazil's Campos Basin, with the study meticulously examining the relationship between advancements in energy efficiency and emission reductions. While translating these insights into practical applications poses challenges, the momentum generated by rigorous research, combined with policy recommendations addressing GHG emissions in the oil sector, can indeed chart a path toward a more robust, sustainable, and integrated energy future.

Improving the Indoor Air Quality of Office Buildings in the Post-Pandemic Era—Impact on Energy Consumption and Costs

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, ventilation in buildings was not always given its due importance. The World Health Organization has highlighted the important role of air exchange with the outdoors in improving the air quality in buildings; buildings should, therefore, be equipped with mechanical ventilation or adequate air conditioning systems. This paper aims to investigate different retrofit solutions for air conditioning, evaluating them in terms of energy consumption and cost and the impact of increased outdoor air exchange rates on countering the propagation of COVID-19; the latter is the main novelty of the paper. As a case study, we take an existing office building located in Central Italy that was previously not equipped with a mechanical ventilation system (a system with primary air was introduced during the study). The energy analysis was conducted using dynamic simulation software after validation through energy bills; energy and economic analyses were conducted considering different external-air exchange rates. An optimal number of outdoor air changes was found to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 infection, a finding in line with the international literature. The increase in air changes with outdoor air leads to a rise in energy consumption and costs. These values were evaluated for different air conditioning systems and operational schedules. These drawbacks can be made less significant by combining interventions in the system with energy-efficiency measures applied to the building envelope.

Analysis of measures to increase the energy efficiency of educational buildings of the national university of water and environmental engineering

The implementation of energy-efficient measures at the National University of Water and Environmental Engineering (NUWEE) was started since 2000. The buildings of NUWEE are located in different parts of Rivne city and Rivne region. Buildings № 1-7 were selected by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine for financing their thermal modernization as part of the loan project "Higher Education of Ukraine. Energy efficiency and sustainable development" with the aim of increasing their energy efficiency. The authors analyzed the measures to increase the energy efficiency of the educational buildings of the NUWEE, namely, the installation of thermal insulation of facades, roofs, floors on the ground and first surfaces, replacement of windows and doors, installation of thermal insulation of pipelines, modernization of automated thermal energy regulation units (ATERU), heating system and lighting, implementation of the energy monitoring and dispatching system, installation of the ventilation system with exhaust air heat recovery. Implementation of the proposed measures will reduce energy consumption and related costs by 60 %, namely by 6,232 MWh/year (compared to the baseline level of energy consumption of 10,286 MWh/year). It will result increasing of the buildings’ comfort and functionality. After the implementation of the described measures, the increase of the energy efficiency class of educational buildings is predicted. The implementation of energy-efficient measures will also lead to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 50 %, namely by 1,648 t/year. Measures that can pay off as soon as possible are the implementation of thermal insulation of pipelines, modernization of ATERU and lighting, implementation of energy monitoring and dispatching systems. The longest payback period will require the installation of ventilation air heat recovery, but this measure is necessary in view of the current reduction in heat energy costs for heating the external supply air in the cold period of the year.

An Econometric Analysis of the Energy-Saving Performance of the Italian Plastic Manufacturing Sector

In a scenario characterised by mitigation concerns and calls for greater resilience in the energy sector, energy audits (EAs) emerge as an essential mean for enhancing end-use energy consumption awareness and efficiency. Such a tool allows us to assess the different energy carriers consumed in a productive sector, offering insight into existing energy efficiency improvement opportunities. This opens avenues for research to devise an econometrics-based methodology that encapsulate production sites and their environmental essentials. This paper contributes to the literature by exploiting the EAs received by the Italian National agency for New technologies, Energy, and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) in 2019 from the Italian plastics manufacturing sector, matched with Italian firm-based data extracted from the Analisi Informatizzata delle Aziende Italiane (Italian company information and business intelligence) (AIDA) database. In particular, we investigate how the implementation of energy efficiency measures (EEMs) is influenced by a set of contextual factors, as well as features relating to the companies and EEMs themselves. The empirical investigation focuses on the EAs submitted to ENEA in 2019, which was strategically chosen due to its unique data availability and adequacy for extensive analysis. The selection of 2019 is justified as it constitutes the second mandatory reporting period for energy audits, in contrast to the 2022 data, which are currently undergoing detailed refinement. In line with the literature, the adopted empirical approach involves the use of both the OLS and logistic regression models. Empirical results confirm the relevance of economic and financial factors in guiding the decisions surrounding the sector’s energy performance, alongside the analogous influence of the technical characteristics of the measures themselves and of the firms’ strategies. In particular, the OLS model with no fixed effects shows that a one-percent variation in investments is associated with an increase in savings performance equal to 0.63%. As for the OLS model, including fixed effects, the elasticity among the two variables concerned reaches 0.87%, while in the logistic regression, if the investment carried out by the production sites increases, the expected percentage change in the probability that the energy-saving performance is above its average is about 187.77%. Contextual factors that prove to be equally influential include the incentive mechanism considered and the traits of the geographical area in which the companies are located. Relevant policy implications derived from this analysis include the importance of reducing informational barriers about EEMs and increasing technical assistance, which can be crucial for identifying and implementing effective energy solutions.