Energy-Efficient Real Estate or How It Is Perceived by Potential Homebuyers in Four Latin American Countries

Abstract

This article analyses how energy efficiency regulatory frameworks have been developed in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Chile, within a context of developing countries, and it discusses if this context has been able to influence a culture of buildings’ energy efficiency in consumers. An online survey was applied to consumers who wanted to buy a house, aiming to understand their position regarding sustainability, and the role of the state versus the individual role, among other issues. The aim of the study is to identify consumer’s perception of energy efficiency and sustainability to promote a future research agenda in the Latin American context. In general, consumers value sustainability, except when they are presented in opposition to economic growth and social protection. However, it is possible to identify differences between Chile, with an established neoliberal economy, and countries that have economies in transition. Indeed, Argentina and Brazil show differences in terms of the role of the State, or the thermal comfort, which is considered a matter of habits rather than a mere technological problem. For driving more sustainable behaviours, consumers should be engaged in the implementation of these standards, creating a twofold process including homebuyers on one hand and mandatory requirements on the other.

Preferred green home features by potential buyers in Sibu Sarawak

“…In terms of the home features, internationally, reference [12] reported on the preferences for a liveable neighbourhood and home features to the potential buyers in Canberra, Australia; reference [13] examined the applicability of green roof technology in green home in the neighbourhood of Cyprus; reference [14] analysed the perspectives of green home buyers from the energy-efficient aspects in Latin American. In Malaysia, studies had been conducted with regards to the opinions of potential buyers on green home.…”

uhuMEBr: Energy Refurbishment of Existing Buildings in Subtropical Climates to Become Minimum Energy Buildings

“…Examples of this are reflected by the directives on the energy performance of the buildings [2], and their subsequent updates [3][4][5]. Not only for legal reasons, but for corporative responsibility (and maybe for marketing proposes), most successful developers and building sector entrepreneurs want to offer the best product to their customers, both from the social point of view [6] and sale perspective [7], because the market demands increasingly efficient buildings. EU, Directives [4] and [5] establish a specific mandatory requirement for member states to draw up national plans to increase the number of nearly zero energy buildings (nZEB).…”

“…EU, Directives [4] and [5] establish a specific mandatory requirement for member states to draw up national plans to increase the number of nearly zero energy buildings (nZEB). According to both directives, the member states' national plans must include the detailed definition of the nZEB concept, as it is reflected in the EU Directive [7], in such a way that their national, regional, and local conditions are reflected, and a numerical indicator of the primary energy use must be included and expressed (1) In order to face the cold period successfully one must obtain the best insulated and hermetic outer envelope, without exchanging air with the outside, but with high efficiency heat recovery mechanical ventilation to keep the best indoor air quality. In that sense, Reference [20] carries out a review on integrations between energy performance and indoor environment quality, on the other hand, Reference [21] it is a good example of the influence of the building envelope in the best use of the energy.…”