Energy efficiency in the commercial rented sector and considerations on the rebound effect after PV system installation in a shopping center in Spain

Abstract

Abstract Across Europe, buildings account for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of carbon emissions. It is estimated that 75% of buildings in the European Union (EU) are inefficient, yet only 1% of buildings are renovated each year [1]. As part of the EU H2020 funded SmartSPIN (Smart Energy Services to solve the split incentive problem in the commercial rented sector) project, a novel business model to support efficiency measures in rented premises, is being developed and evaluated. The business model will provide an equitable, transparent model for splitting the energy savings and the costs of energy efficiency measures and services between landlords, tenants and energy efficiency service providers. The business model aims to reduce the split incentive issue, which occurs when the benefits of investing in energy efficiency do not accrue to the actor who pays for the energy efficiency measures. The split incentive issue is one of the major market barriers to energy efficient building renovations across rented buildings in Europe and could result in exacerbating the severe energy efficiency gap in the rented sector [2]. Energy efficiency measures are being installed at demonstration sites of SmartSPIN. These measures include a PV-system which has been installed at La Gavia shopping centre, Madrid. This paper aims to review the proposed business model and energy efficiency service and to generate awareness among the stakeholders regarding the rebound effect associated with the adoption of PV system in commercial buildings, analysing data from the PV-system installed at La Gavia shopping centre. Indeed, awareness regarding rebound effect may influence the agreements between the parties in an energy performance contract because it determines a reduction in expected energy savings that is caused by a behavioural change of the energy consumers. Finally, the paper will briefly review other energy efficiency measures relevant with the commercial rented sector.