Energy Efficiency Obstacles –
to the Uptake of Energy Saving Initiatives
Written by Karl Olsen
Whilst the notion of applying energy saving solutions to a building is quite simple, in reality, energy efficiency obstacles or barriers will present themselves that challenge, delay or even inhibit the energy saving process from occurring at all.
Green Wire Consulting works actively with clients & stakeholders to identify & address all obstacles, to achieve agreed energy efficiency objectives.
When obstacles are present, they usually fall into 2 main categories & comprise the following;
A) Energy Efficiency Obstacles in the Business Sector;
- Internal ‘road blocks’ & company politics, most commonly found in large organisations.
- A ‘Lack of Trust’ in the advice provided by external consultants.
- Uncertainty with payback periods & internal issues in obtaining funds for energy saving initiatives.
- A natural resistance amongst staff members to explore new initiatives, especially if it means additional effort to the normal work load.
- A strong focus on ‘core business’ activity usually means that other tasks perceived as being minor in comparison are ignored, deferred or cancelled.
- Reluctance to allocate the time, effort & costs to investigate & consider energy efficient solutions.
- Monthly energy bills tend to be paid by personnel who do not have the skill sets to control & minimise energy consumption.
- Unaware of how to obtain technical expertise to achieve cost savings.
- Pure laziness
B) Energy Efficiency Obstacles for the typical Home Owner;
- Home owners are largely ‘short-term focused’. A general lack of consideration given to ongoing home running costs.
- A reliance upon tradesmen to make key design decisions. Tradesmen focus on speed & simplicity, therefore the best long term solution is not always installed.
- Home owners are usually ‘time poor’ with ‘tight budgets’. Not motivated to seek further advice on energy efficiency.
- Lack of awareness that small energy saving improvements add up collectively.
- Have difficulty in paying more upfront in order to reap cost saving benefits later.