Operationalising building-related energy sufficiency measures in SMEs

Abstract

The application and potential of energy sufficiency (ES) measures is examined in non-residential buildings occupied by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The hypothesis is whether integrating ES measures into energy audits could help disseminate these measures to SMEs. This is investigated in terms of the feasibility, challenges and opportunities for the actors involved. Standard ES measures are identified that could be implemented in SMEs, and their saving potential is evaluated. A mixed-methods approach is used incorporating interviews with experts from various backgrounds, a quantitative analysis of the database containing a list of ES measures and a questionnaire to SMEs. Results demonstrate that most ES measures are cost-effective and that certain measures can lead to substantial savings. Financial incentives need to be balanced with fostering a genuine commitment to the concept of sufficiency. By integrating ES with energy efficiency measures in energy audits, the paper advocates for a role for auditors in identifying ES opportunities, necessitating a blend of standardisation, flexibility and expert collaboration. Additionally, end-user preferences for indoor conditions significantly influence ES measure acceptance, highlighting the importance of involving users in ES measures related to thermal comfort. Policy relevance By establishing two categories of energy sufficiency (ES) measures based on differing levels of constraints, policymakers and programme designers can build experience by initially implementing widely accepted measures and subsequently aiming for more stringent measures that are closer to the essence of sufficiency. More fundamentally, implementing sufficiency in energy and climate policy requires a changed mindset related to production and consumption, for which the inclusion of ES in energy audits offers unexploited opportunities.

Keywords

• buildings
• business strategies
• decarbonisation
• energy efficiency
• small and medium-sized enterprises (smes)
• sufficiency
• switzerland