Factors affecting the successful adoption and implementation of energy retrofits in existing hotel buildings

Abstract

Energy Efficiency (EE) of the existing buildings is identified as an important focal point for the reduction of total energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Though there is a huge room for EE improvement in existing buildings, still the level of the adoption and implementation of Energy Retrofits (ER) in existing buildings is comparatively low. In fact, it has been ascertained that retrofitting existing buildings is more strenuous than constructing a new green building from scratch due to numerous factors at work that can either facilitate or hinder ER projects. Hence, this research explores the enablers and barriers for the adoption and implementation of ER projects. Three case studies were conducted among hotel buildings that have implemented ER projects. Selected cases included two ER projects led by in-house teams and one project outsourced to an external Energy Service Company (ESCO). Altogether, 14 semi-structured interviews were conducted with different stakeholders to collect data. Findings of the research revealed 24 enablers and 42 barriers for the adoption and implementation of ER projects in existing hotel buildings. The enablers and barriers were identified for each of the three main phases of ER project implementation; i.e. pre-retrofit, retrofit implementation and post retrofit phases. ‘Commitment, engagement and support from the involved parties’ in all three phases of the project is ascertained as a crucial enabler that could support the successful adoption and implementation of any ER project. Conversely, ‘lack of transparency about energy cost and use’, ‘lack of skills and experience’, ‘difficulties in establishing communication between parties’ and ‘occupancy type of the facility’ were identified as the barriers that impede the ER project success in all three phases. Further, this paper argues that the party who execute the ER projects have significant impact on the enablers and barriers for the adoption and implementation of ER project. By providing a thorough understanding of the enablers and barriers, it is hoped that the findings of this study will provide a basis for more successful adoption and implementation of ER projects in the hotel sector.