Barriers to retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency in South Africa

Abstract

Literature has established the enormity of energy consumed by buildings. The processes involved in generating and distributing this energy, and most especially its usage is identified as causing a significant adverse environmental impact. As a strategy for enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of existing buildings through the introduction of new technologies, retrofitting has become another avenue for achieving sustainability in the construction industry. This paper, therefore, seeks to identify the major barriers to retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency in South Africa. A structured questionnaire survey was used as the instrument for data collection. Data for the study were gathered from construction professionals (architects, civil engineers, quantity surveyors, project managers, construction managers, and energy engineers) with experience in building retrofit projects. A quantitative approach to data analysis was adopted using percentage, standard deviation, and mean item score. From the data analysed, the results revealed low income, high investment costs, occupant’s resistance, high upfront cost, and low consumer appeal as the top five barriers. The findings from this study will help improve and encourage retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency which is believed to have the potential of drastically reducing the long-term cost of energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint.