How to increase energy efficiency in buildings - a study from the landlord’s

perspectiveA Learn-Apply-Communicate Project carried

out within the MSc. Programme in Environmental Management and Policy at

IIIEE

Nora Smedby, spring 2009

Purpose of the project

• To increase energy efficiency by spotting measures that help the landlord to cut energy costs

• To identify what stops the landlord from doing energy efficiency measures and thereby gaining and increased understanding for solutions needed

How was the project carried out?

Main steps1. Investigating energy efficiency issues in

buildings2. Contacting a landlord and choosing one

building to form the focus of the study3. Learning more about the specific building4. Identifying measures for increased energy

efficiency5. Having a dialogue with the landlord

regarding the measures

About the building – ”Höken”

• Built in 1970

• Located in central Malmö

• 32 flats 2,404 m2

• 6 other premises such as a municipal office and an auctions bureau

• In total 5,404 m2

About the building – ”Höken”(continued)

• Consists of two or six stories respectively• Two story cellar• Tin roof and a large roof terrasse• Original double-glazed wood windows, partly

replaced by 2+1 wood-aluminium windows• District heating• Mechanical supply and exhaust air with heat

recycling

About the building – ”Höken”(continued)

• Energy expenses 2008 in SEK:– Electricity 382,000– Heating 215,000

– Total energy expenses of 110 SEK/m2 per year– In the higher range of the landlord’s housing stock

Suggested measures (in order of the magnitude of the investment)

• Do not heat common stairways• Use methods such as Net Present Value or

LCC when doing investments or purchases• Install water saving equipment in showers

and taps• Replace the old laundry equipment with

more modern models

Suggested measures (in order of the magnitude of the investment)

(continued)

• Install a system for lighting with presence detection and dimmable HF-operating devices

• Make the staircase more inviting to discourage overuse of the elevator, for example, by opening up the entrance

• Change/refurbish windows (probably not cost-effective unless window works need to be carried out anyway)

• Install a heat exchanger to recycle heat from sewage (probably not cost-effective unless works need to be carried out anyway)

Hypthetical measures, not suggested

• Individual billing of heat and hot water expenses

• Extra insulation of facade, attic, or cellar

• Ventilation related measures

• Self-supplied energy, e.g. Solar

Input from the landlord

• Individual billing nothing of their interest

• Awareness of inefficient lighting

• No feedback on suggested measures yet – will be forwarded to all participants when received

Comments, questions?

Discussion points

• What hinders owners of rented housing to take what appears to be cost-effective energy efficiency measures?

• Are there ways to tackle this problem?– What role does the energy declaration that

landlords are obliged to carry out play? • What role does individual billing of heat and

hot water expenses play in the context of increasing energy efficiency?– Should it be promoted?– If yes, how?