Cogeneration systems—also known as combined heat and power systems—form a promising technology for the simultaneous generation of power and thermal energy while consuming a single source of fuel at a site. A number of prior studies have examined the cogeneration systems used in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. However, a systematic review of the economic and environmental evaluations of the system is not found in the literature. The present study aims to address this research gap by reviewing the most relevant studies on the cogeneration systems applied to buildings in different contexts (e.g., residential, commercial, and industrial) and provides systematic evaluation approaches from economic and environmental perspectives. Results show that the cogeneration system can significantly reduce energy consumption, operating costs, carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, and positive performance on other relevant parameters. The present study provides extensive evidence to show that the cogeneration system is simultaneously economically profitable and environmentally friendly in various application contexts. To achieve the maximum benefits from cogeneration systems, several practical suggestions are provided for their successful installation and implementation in real-life situations.

The use of cogeneration systems in the hotel industry leads to economic and environmental benefits, but its acceptance in the industry remains low. Hence, this study aimed to examine the factors that influence cogeneration system acceptance amongst hotel management. A cogeneration system acceptance model (CoSAM) was proposed by integrating the technology acceptance model with perceived cost, perceived benefit, risk perception, environmental awareness and facilitating conditions. The validity of the CoSAM was investigated using structural equation modelling based on 499 data points collected from hotel management personnel. Results showed that the intention to use the systems of hotel management personnel was positively determined by attitude towards using cogeneration systems, which was directly affected by perceived usefulness, risk perception and perceived benefit. Moreover, with perceived usefulness as a mediator, facilitating conditions and environmental awareness indirectly influenced attitude towards using cogeneration systems positively, while perceived cost indirectly influenced the attitude negatively. Based on the findings of this study, policy implications for promoting the adoption of cogeneration systems in the hotel industry were provided, thus saving energy and reducing the energy costs of hotels. This study is the first to remarkably contribute an in-depth understanding of the factors affecting cogeneration system acceptance to the literature.

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