Implementation Of Energy Efficiency Measures Research Articles

Feasibility and performance analysis of a net-zero energy residential building in tropical climates: A case of Congo-Brazzaville

Current building techniques in developing countries have become extremely critical. The net-zero energy concept has emerged as an essential strategy for minimising energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. However, its implementation, particularly in developing countries, remains a critical challenge. The purpose of this work is to assess the feasibility of achieving a net-zero energy building by combining energy-efficient design practices and renewable energy systems under the climatic conditions of the Republic of Congo. To achieve the stipulated objectives, DesignBuilder software was utilised for building modelling, energy load assessment and multiobjective optimisation of building energy efficiency measures, and the multicriteria energy optimisation was carried out using the HOMER tool. The optimisation results showed that the implementation of energy efficiency measures resulted in 39.15% energy savings, 43.45% thermal load savings and 55.68% discomfort hours reduction. Furthermore, the renewable energy system can provide 100% of the building’s energy load and a total savings of 3341.84 kgCO2eq/year. The system’s levelised cost of energy was estimated at 0.256 $/kWh, with a net present cost of $20,231, while the overall life cycle cost was calculated at 188.91 $/m2.

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.

ISO 50002 and ITS Contribution to the Decarbonization of SMES: Case Study

The decarbonization of all sectors of the energy system is essential to mitigate climate change. However, the existing barriers, mainly related to information, prevent the implementation of Energy Efficiency measures and energy management systems in SMEs to reduce carbon emissions. An energy audit is considered a critical step for businesses that want to increase their energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption cost-effectively. The present study addressed ISO 50002 and its contribution to energy management based on the ISO 50001:2019 standard through a case study applied to an SME in the non-metallic mineral sector, which allowed establishing the guidelines and the form to address an energy audit in an SME under ISO 50002, determining opportunities for improvement by eliminating unproductive times, correcting fleeting compressed air, eliminating energy losses due to operational variability, automating the start-up of the Hammer Mill and the feed band in gypsum grinding. Additionally, an annual energy and economic savings potential of 162,599 KWh and COP 49,360,442 was estimated; and 26,992 Kg CO2 stopped emitting.

A Decomposition Analysis of Algeria’s Residential Energy Consumption Change: (2000–2020)

Between 2000 and 2020, the residential sector’s share of Algeria’s final energy consumption was 62.20% and 46.05% respectively; this was much higher than the global average of 31%. This enables us to comprehend the factors that contribute to the rise in energy consumption in the residential sector and to carry out a quantitative analysis to determine the extent to which energy efficiency reduces energy consumption in the sector between 2000 and 2020. To accomplish this, we employ the decomposition analysis approach by using the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI). The results of the study showed that the energy subsidy factor had a strong impact on increasing residential energy consumption in Algeria, compared to the population growth factor. In addition, the energy intensity factor and the economic structure factor did not help reduce energy consumption levels. According to these findings, Algerian public policymakers should strictly implement the national energy program Horizon 2030 by rationalising energy use, eliminating subsidies gradually, and monitoring the implementation of energy efficiency measures in the residential sector.

Does recalling energy efficiency measures reduce subsequent climate-friendly behavior? An experimental study of moral licensing rebound effects

Energy efficiency measures are a key element in the fight against climate change. However, their effectiveness is threatened by so-called rebound effects—behavioral changes that lead to increased use and thus to lower-than-expected absolute savings. The moral licensing bias might cause rebound effects on the individual level: When people implement energy efficiency measures, they may feel that they have done something good for the climate and thus license themselves to less climate-friendly behavior later on. We test this prediction with three pre-registered experiments (total n = 2315). While our manipulated efficiency does increase the feeling of having done something good for the climate, no negative effects emerge on subsequent climate-friendly behavior—contrary to the predictions derived from the moral licensing literature. Climate-friendly behavior is thus not hampered by prior energy efficiency behavior; rather, demographics (women and older people act in a more climate-friendly manner) and environmental attitude determine it. Our results imply that the literature suggesting moral licensing is probably not transferable to the field of energy efficiency, and thus moral licensing may not lead to rebound effects in this context. We discuss possible explanations, implications for climate policy making, and needs for future research.

Solar neighborhoods: the impact of urban layout on a large-scale solar strategies application

The article addresses the challenges of evaluating energy performance in different neighborhood settings under various energy efficiency measures and proposes a methodology for selecting appropriate solar strategies on a neighborhood scale. The study selects five representative neighborhoods from various climatic zones with different building and street layouts. The proposed methodology involves a systematic three-step multi-domain workflow for implementing energy efficiency measures and solar strategies in the existing neighborhoods. The first step involves typical energy performance simulation, the second step involves energy simulation using high performance building envelope, and the third step involves the addition of solar strategies in combination with retrofitting materials to achieve net-zero status. The results of the study show that modifying the building envelope leads to a significant reduction in energy consumption, with up to 60% reduction observed. The study also finds that the optimal mix of solar strategies depends strongly on the type of neighborhood, its street layouts, and the type of buildings. The article highlights the importance of considering these factors when implementing solar strategies on a neighborhood scale to achieve energy efficiency and net-zero status. It provides urban planners with a systematic decision-making approach to evaluate and optimize neighborhoods to achieve net-zero energy status.

Towards healthy and energy-efficient buildings in the context of Egypt: Modelling demand-controlled ventilation to improve the indoor air quality in a generic office space in Cairo

Cairo is characterised by high concentrations of ambient air pollutants, especially air particulate matter of diameter less than 2.5 micrometre (PM2.5). Many studies have emphasized the impact of PM2.5 on people’s health and wellbeing including a World Bank report that has attributed 12% of the total annual deaths in Cairo to the exposure to ambient PM2.5. On one hand. improving the energy efficiency of buildings may involve implementing energy efficiency measures that aim to achieve indoor thermal comfort by maximizing the use of natural ventilation and minimizing mechanical air-conditioning. However, while natural ventilation can help reduce CO2 levels, it can also potentially lead to an increase in indoor PM2.5 levels. This study aims to investigate the impact of multiple air filtration scenarios on the energy consumption and the indoor air quality for a shoebox model that aims to represent generic offices Cairo. The study uses EnergyPlus simulations that leverage an Energy Management System script to model the demand-controlled ventilation, apply air filters when required, and simulate the increase in energy use due to the relevant pressure drops in the air system. The results for the scenarios investigated in the study highlighted that air filters can reduce the average indoor PM2.5 levels by nearly 40% during occupancy hours while causing an estimated increase of around 2-7% in the total operational energy. Given data and assumptions relevant to the study context, it was found that filtering the recirculated air while minimizing the introduction outdoor fresh air can be sufficient to minimize indoor PM2.5 levels.

Analysis and Implementation of Energy Efficiency Measures in Multi-Apartment Buildings in Latvia

Abstract A simplified life cycle of any product or service consists of three main stages – manufacturing, including obtaining, transformation, combination of raw materials; transportation, as well as packaging; consumption from purchase up to actual use. Energy is not an exception, it is also an item offered by the market in different forms, and everyone in need of it has the right to buy it in case the price is acceptable. Heat power is one of the energy types required by households and important for proper maintenance. Without heating, as well as electricity, modern houses cannot function appropriately, are not attractive to their inhabitants, do not provide comfort and safety. Nevertheless, heat power often is considered as a by-product of electricity production, nowadays a swift price increase for both types of energy is inevitable. Energy efficiency is the level of appropriate usage of energy resources, which can be determined as the relation between final product type, quality, quantity and consumption of energy necessary to create this product [1]. Indirectly energy efficiency impacts health of the society in general and each individual in particular. Renovated energy efficient apartment buildings have a better ventilation system and microclimate. The problem of moisture and mold is at least partly solved, comfort is reached by consuming less energy, especially, heat power [2]. The aim of the paper is to research the impact of different energy efficiency increasing measures on heat consumption in multi-apartment buildings.

Exploring energy efficiency barriers and drivers In the Portuguese water sector

While research, development, and implementation of energy efficiency measures in water and wastewater utilities are accelerating, there has been little research into the barriers and drivers to their adoption within the sector. This study presents the findings of a series of 11 semi-structured interviews conducted to Portuguese water and wastewater utilities. The results show the prioritization of quality-of-service subjects, such as reducing water losses and increasing the resilience of systems, over energy efficiency in this sector. Despite referring to financial barriers as important, the interviewees point out that the major barriers are the lack of human resources, lack of internal technical skills, and the bureaucratic public procurement processes. The main drivers highlighted in this study are the existence of awareness campaigns and dissemination of good practices, the existence of energy service companies, and the availability of funding, either public or specific financing programs with accessible rates. The results of this research can help define sector-oriented policies fostering the adoption of measures and strategies that help improve the energy performance and resilience of water and wastewater utilities worldwide.

Enhancing Energy Processes and Facilities Redesign in an Anaerobic Digestion Plant for Biomethane Production

The energy revolution prioritizes efficiency, sustainability, practicality, and concreteness. Conventional energy processes remain crucial and will continue to be essential for a long time if they are based on renewable and clean sources. Biofuels, particularly biomethane, are gaining significant attention for their potential to replace fossil fuels and contribute to a greener energy landscape. This paper focuses on enhancing the energy efficiency of an anaerobic digestion plant for biomethane production. Oversizing issues in technical plants often result in excessive energy and economic costs. Therefore, this study aims to analyze plant sections that can be improved to enhance performance. An energy analysis quantifies the energy requirements for different sections and sub-sections, guiding the selection of energy interventions such as pipeline resizing, heat generator modifications, pump enhancements, and energy recovery opportunities. The methodology is applied to an existing biomethane plant, and graphical software is used for redesigning the heat generator, pumps, and pipelines. The results demonstrated that implementing energy efficiency measures improves system performance. The heat generator’s capacity was successfully reduced by 100 kW, surpassing the initial design choice. Additionally, heat recovery from the biogas compression section has enhanced the overall thermal dynamics of the system. The estimated annual methane consumption in the boiler is approximately 12,000 Nm3, resulting in an expenditure of EUR 10600. These interventions have led to substantial savings, totaling EUR 133000 for the comprehensive thermal sustenance of the entire plant.

How policy instruments reproduce energy vulnerability - A qualitative study of Dutch household energy efficiency measures

Rising energy prices threaten households' access to affordable energy services and increase the risk of energy vulnerability. One way to reduce the cost of access to energy is to implement energy efficiency measures at the household level (e.g. solar panels). However, not all households have the capacity to do this. Households that are unable to implement energy efficiency measures are vulnerable in two ways: 1) they may not enjoy the benefits of these measures (such as lower energy costs, healthier and more comfortable living conditions), and 2) they may face increasing costs due to fluctuating market prices for non-renewable energy sources or taxes on non-renewable energy sources. Although public authorities use different policy instruments to support citizens in implementing energy efficiency measures, it turns out that these policy instruments can (re)produce energy vulnerability in an uneven way. However, how exactly this happens remains unclear. The aim of this paper is to use the capability approach to identify mechanisms that explain how policy instruments (re)produce energy vulnerability. By combining three qualitative methods to analyse two Dutch neighbourhoods, this article illustrates how institutional arrangements affect capabilities unequally, depending on spatial scale, language skills, socio-economic characteristics and housing situation. Finally, it presents three subsequent mechanisms through which policy instruments may negatively affect citizens' capabilities and increase the risk of energy vulnerability: 1) by precluding citizens from relevant information about the energy transition; 2) by raising the thresholds for citizens to implement energy-efficient measures; and 3) by miscalculating policy consequences, i.e. citizens' poor anticipation of long-term policy implications, aggravated by legal and financial uncertainty or changing individual circumstances.

Energy Audit as an Instrument to Tackle Internal Barriers to Energy Efficiency: Lessons from Moroccan Industrial Firms

Due to climate change, firms are encouraged to introduce various measures to enhance both their competitiveness and sustainability, particularly energy efficiency measures (EEMs). Energy efficiency is particularly important in energy-intensive sectors such as the industrial sector. However, EEMs within industrial firms are hindered by several internal barriers such as competing interests within firms, lack of information regarding energy efficiency opportunities, and low technical competence. In this regard, energy audits aim to improve energy efficiency in facilities and to tackle internal barriers to energy efficiency. We developed a model that seeks to investigate the significance of energy audits in the implementation of EEMs and to reduce the intensity of internal barriers to energy efficiency. Our research model was empirically tested via data collected from a survey conducted with 193 industrial firms in the Kingdom of Morocco. Results show that competing interests, lack of information, and low technical competence hinder the adoption of EEMs within industrial firms, which aligns with findings from previous studies. In addition, our findings indicate that energy audits enhance EEMs and mitigate the negative effect of lack of information and low technical competence on the adoption of EEMs, which is consistent with findings from prior studies. However, our results demonstrate that energy audits do not attenuate the negative effect of competing interests on EEMs; this contrasts with findings from several previous studies. Therefore, our study builds upon prior research and contributes new insights regarding the importance of energy audits in tackling internal barriers to energy efficiency.

Analysis of current barriers and solutions in the implementation of energy efficiency methods in the European industry

This research is a state of the art of the main barriers and solutions that can be found in the implementation of energy efficiency measures and methods in industry, such as Energy Audits or Energy Management Systems (EMS). It aims to bring together in a single document the lessons learned from the efforts of the European Union over the past decade to increase energy efficiency in industry. The article catalogues and analyses 20 legal, technical, economic, cultural and organisational barriers that are still present today and as an added value it provides with a table of multiple, accessible and current solutions as well as with potential improvement pathways to overcome each of them. The ultimate purpose of this work is to stablish a higher starting point, with more awareness and available solutions, from which to start in order to accelerate the decarbonisation of the industry and subsequently be able to achieve the latest and more ambitious objectives set in the ‘Fit for 55’ package in the EU.

Need of energy transition at roof of the world: Correlative approach to interpret energy identity of high-altitude Central Asian communities

The high-altitude Central Asian communities (mainly from rural Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan) face a high degree of energy complexity. The thematic knowledge clearly outlines that these communities hold special energy identity (information about energy requirements, energy consumption, classification of the building, energy resources, energy services, and challenges) and at the same time, energy poverty ironically exists. To mitigate energy poverty, there is an immediate need for sustainable energy transition through special energy planning. Though, the limited information about the energy identity of these communities restricts the energy transition process. The main aim of the paper was to outline the special and comparative energy profile of high-altitude Central Asian rural communities. To demonstrate the special energy profile, a novel correlative approach was developed which synthesises the information about energy context (current energy situation and critical issues), energy resources (available sustainable and non-sustainable energy and its usage) and energy services (available energy services to meet the energy need) by considering local boundary conditions. These various parameters were studied based on the extensive literature review, the author's interview with local people and the previous work of the authors. There is a large gap in the literature regarding energy information about high-altitude Central Asian communities. Based on the correlative approach, the presented article was the first attempt to develop a novel framework to interpret the energy identity of high-altitude Central Asian communities and thus contribute to knowledge. The derived special energy identity will serve as a profound base to develop an energy planning more effectively. The derived results categorised the spatial energy situation at the roof of the world. Even though access to electricity, the high-altitude Central Asian rural population suffers from unique and complex energy challenges articulated in the presented article. Energy is a costly and critical task for the local population. To resolve this issue, sustainable energy transition is an essential element for these settlements which ensures sustainable communities from the long-term perspective. This can be achieved by spatial energy planning for high-altitude communities (i.e. implementation of energy efficiency measures in combination with an energy supply system on a community level).

Multiplayer game for decision-making in energy communities

Energy communities are widely studied from various perspectives, especially in the context of geopolitical events of recent years, when humanity is faced with the need for urgent solutions to promote climate change and alleviate the crisis of energy resources. Although citizens' interest in the use of renewable resources has gradually grown, energy policy support measures for more active participation of society in the implementation of energy efficiency measures are still being implemented with variable success, especially through mutual agreement. Serious games are a rapidly growing tool for awareness and collaboration on a single platform for gamers seeking solutions to energy resource optimization issues. The paper focuses on energy community versus energy use practices, trends, and intervention strategies in multifamily residential blocks, using serious gaming and direct user online feedback. This study uses a multi-player simulation tool to enable the modelling of scenarios for energy efficiency measures for apartment building block residents and energy community target goals for decision-making decisions. User experience and game mechanics were tested on a pre-selected group. The results indicate positive feedback, including a practical application for both energy community and professionals, and provide valuable recommendations for further research and improvement of the tool.

Cost-effective design of energy efficiency measures in the building sector in North Africa using Building Information Modeling

Using sequential search optimisation technique in conjunction with Building Information Modeling, this research considers standards and easily implemented design and operational energy efficiency measures to improve the energy performance of prototype buildings in various climatic zones throughout the North African region. This work’s novelty lies in developing advanced, comprehensive models to propose a new code for the building sector that considers different climatic zones and types of buildings already in use. In the analysis, design features of air-conditioned buildings are considered, including window glazing, wall construction, roof construction, degree of building orientation, window shades, air infiltration level, HVAC equipment efficiency, and lighting efficiency. Optimising designs compared to present building construction practices in the region may lower energy consumption by 31–56 per cent. The analysis’s findings show that there is much room to enhance the energy performance of buildings in the North African region by implementing proven energy efficiency methods and relevant energy policies. The requirement for insulation of building envelope components, on the other hand, varies according to climatic zone and building type.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY POLICY IN CIVIL ENGINEERING: OPPORTUNITIES AND PROSPECTS FOR APPLICATION

Objective. To analyze the problems of implementation of modern energy efficient systems in Ukraine. The advantages of modern technologies over outdated ones are presented. The results of the study should form the basis for the development of recommendations for improving energy efficiency in civil engineering. Problems. Today in Ukraine, solving the problem of energy saving in civil engineering remains a constant priority. Overcoming this obstacle largely determines Ukraine’s recovery from the economic crisis. According to estimates, energy consumption for heating budgetary institutions in Ukraine is 2 … 3 times higher than in the EU countries for the same needs. This is based on the obsolescence of Ukraine’s building stock from the time of intensive construction in the 1960s and 1980s. Analysis. Many countries are already successfully implementing new technologies, materials, and designs that help improve the energy efficiency of buildings. Examples include: a construction concept based on the idea of creating a building that does not require active heating and cooling – a «passive house», the use of SIP panels made from recycled materials, the use of double-glazed windows with «warm edge» technology, the creation of energy-efficient envelope structures such as the construction projects «The Edge», «ZEB Pilot House», «BedZed». Scientific novelty. Analysis of current problems of energy efficiency policy implementation in Ukraine in terms of various aspects, such as legal, economic, technical, social, etc. Cases of successful implementation of energy efficient measures and technologies in civil engineering in European countries are considered. Practical significance. The analysis of the real energy status of the country’s building stock is the basis for the development and support of energy efficiency policy. The considered cases of energy efficient technologies implementation can become an important source of information for Ukrainian construction specialists, which will significantly improve the energy efficiency of new buildings, reduce energy dependence on critical infrastructure, save money for civilians and improve the comfort of living conditions.

The Influence of Organizational Factors on the Adoption of Energy Efficiency Measures in Companies

Abstract This paper aims to research the organizational factors influencing the implementation of energy efficiency measures in companies. The analysis was performed on a sample of companies from Serbia included in the World Bank Enterprise Survey. The raw data collected by the World Bank were utilized to analyze the correlation between various organizational factors and the adoption of energy efficiency measures. The analysis revealed a statistically significant correlation between management maturity and the implementation of energy efficiency measures in companies. These findings suggest that improving energy efficiency is not an isolated process but rather closely related to the maturity of management practices, highlighting the importance of comprehensive organizational development for achieving optimal energy management.

Do intermediaries have blind spots? Mapping the activity lifecycle of an energy efficiency programme

To address climate emergency, many countries are tightening their energy efficiency targets. How this ambition can be realized is still an open question. One thread of research focusses on intermediaries, i.e. actors contributing to transition processes by facilitating and enhancing the actions of others. This paper presents a participatory research project exploring the intermediation functions fulfilled by a regional energy efficiency programme. Intermediation functions are interpreted as the outcomes of the tasks performed along the lifecycle of programme activities, depending on the pursued intents. Based on a series of strategy workshops, five successive task categories are identified: (a) design, (b) communicate, (c) operate, (d) coordinate, and (e) strategize; along with three intent levels: (i) support, (ii) connect, and (iii) mobilize stakeholders. These are articulated as a “tasks-intents space” where activities evolve. Typically, while programme activities were primarily operated to support implementation of energy efficiency measures, work at the design stage nevertheless included connecting early adopters, and managers were expected to ultimately raise to a more strategist role, enhancing the mobilization of potential beneficiaries. Two factors are found to determine this focus on the support to individual measures: (1) the imperative to report quantified energy savings, and (2) the compartmentalization of competencies. This leaves the tasks-intents space partly unexplored, corresponding to intermediation functions that are yet to be studied. For instance, facilitating the convergence of competing visions of change and integrating existing solutions within a coherent framework are identified as promissory paths towards achieving the required magnitude of change.

Analysis of indoor air pollution with radon in the kindergartens of two Bulgarian districts.

The study presents the analysis of the results for indoor radon concentration in the kindergartens of two Bulgarian districts. The study presents the analysis of indoor radon concentration results in kindergartens of two Bulgarian districts. Measurements were performed with a passive method for the period from February to May 2015, in 411 children's rooms situated in 157 kindergartens. The measured radon concentrations in the children's rooms were between 10 and 1087Bq per m. The evaluation of the results showed that in 10% of the kindergarten rooms, the radon concentration is above the national reference level of 300Bq per m. The influence of the presence of a basement and the implementation of building renovation on the radon concentration were examined. The presence of a basement is a prerequisite for reducing the concentration of radon in the building. It has been proven that renovating the building increases the radon concentration in it. The analysis confirms the necessity of measuring the indoor radon concentration before the renovation and repair of the building, especially the implementation of energy efficiency measures.