Energy Performance of Buildings for Incentivisation in Energy-Efficient Structures: An Analysis of Secondary Data in Malta

Abstract

High-performance green buildings mitigate the adverse environmental effects of energy consumption and carbon emissions while simultaneously demonstrating that sustainability does not mean compromising utility, productivity, or comfort. We need to address the identified gap in the evolution of energy-efficient structures facilitated in building applications to enhance energy usage without mitigating comfort. The aim of this study was to provide a review of the current methods used to assess energy efficiency in buildings in Malta through secondary data and to supplement this with qualitative data from interviews. The study investigated the importance of certification, compulsory legislation, and regulations implemented by local authorities and the European Union to incentivise energy performance measures. The findings, supplemented with qualitative data from representatives of public entities, show that most participants agreed that the current method of assessing needs requires a complete overhaul in order to promote a proactive approach to sustainable development. Recent public awareness has highlighted the limited understanding of sustainable practices implemented in buildings to capture and conserve energy. However, it is widely recognised that the building industry has significant potential for energy savings, which applies to both new constructions and existing structures, but the current level falls short of what is necessary in Malta. The study findings emphasise the primary energy users and pinpoint the obstacles in the implementation process. In conclusion, the use of software EPRDM, which may be applied to raise the importance of energy performance in building standards, lacks a value-driven focus, resulting in its full utilisation and potential being unexplored. Future applications of this study include the categorisation of old buildings for a possible bid in energy retrofit; campaigns to promote responsiveness; and the utilisation of advanced technological tools, such as DESIGNBUILDER and related software, to enable the simulation of an optimal building envelope. While increased energy efficiency may result in elevated rental and sale prices for buildings, this knowledge, when disseminated to prospective purchasers via the energy performance certificate (EPC) system, can catalyse investments in structures that are more energy efficient for the end user.