Energy Efficiency in the Residential, Service and Energy Sectors : Barriers, Drivers and System Studies

Abstract

Despite the need for increased energy efficiency in the residential and service sector, cost-efficient energy conservation measures are not always implemented. This is explained by the existence of barriers to energy efficiency. By using surveys, the perception of barriers and drivers for energy efficiency in the Swedish residential and service sector is studied, together with changes in the perception of barriers and drivers during the 2010s. The perception of a lack of time or other priorities is the most hindering factor for implementing energy efficiency measures, along with the experience of a slim organization. On the other hand, the major drivers are reducing costs, followed by drivers of an organizational or behavioral nature. The results illustrate a challenging situation among publicly owned organizations, small organizations, and those in rural areas, as -relative to other groups -they experience barriers to a greater degree and drivers to a lesser extent. Positive factors that emerge between 2010 and 2020 are that energy strategies are integrated, and energy efficiency is given high priority throughout the organizations' working methods. Lastly, by using simulation and optimization model, energy end-use measures of (1) large-scale renovation of a multifamily building stock and (2) the use a hydronic pavement system for snow and ice clearance are studied. These are analyzed in terms of energy performance and GHG emissions based on different system boundaries. The results regarding the large-scale renovation of multifamily buildings reveal a potential conflict. The measure resulting in the best energy performance of the building, which may be the most desirable measure from a building owner's perspective, risks leading to larger greenhouse gas emissions. The conflict arises due to different use of system boundaries. A hydronic pavement system -a rarely used application in present-day district heating systems -proves to be a possible sustainable solution and a suitable application for the future generation of a low-temperature district heating system. The results underline the importance of understanding system boundaries in general, but also when considering energy efficiency improvements. An overly narrow system perspective and boundaries can lead to unwanted sub-optimizations, with higher greenhouse gas emissions as a consequence. hydronic pavement system. A hydronic pavement system can use low-grade temperature heat carriers, such as the return water in a DHC system. A hydronic pavement system consists of embedded pipes in the pavement structure, where heat is transported by circulating water or other heat media. The objective is to prevent snow and ice formation that may cause slipperiness during winter periods. In Sweden, the use of hydronic pavement systems accounts for an annual district heating use of , making this a little used application but with promise for development.