Energy Efficiency – Implementation and Demand of Subsidies

Abstract: Energy efficiency is an important economical and environmental issue in a majority of theEuropean countries. Shortcoming to curb the increasing energy consumption can beconsidered a failure of sustainability with regards to the common goal amongst the memberstates of EU of reducing the total energy consumption in Europe by 27% by 2030. With theongoing inflation rates reaching an average of 44.3% for electricity, this study sheds light tothe real estate industry's demand for a subsidy and the desirable conditions of such in order toaccelerate the transition to an energy-efficient property-portfolio. Through the use of aquestionnaire that was sent out to 62 property owners, this thesis provides insight into whatcharacteristics and resources that are most sought after from a subsidy, by the propertyowners. The results indicate a negative response to the interest in the attainment of greenbuilding certificates such as BREEAM and LEED. but with clear ambitions to minimise costsand energy usage. A demand for a subsidy is clearly at hand, with financial aid in the form ofgrants being the most sought after by the private sector which is discussed to be in alignmentwith expectations, and should therefore be considered with prudence. The sought aftercharacteristics regarding framework, stipulations, and form of communication is alsodiscussed.