Energy efficiency services for residential buildings: market situation and existing potentials in the European Union
Résumé
Although a substantial economic energy saving potential exists in the residential sector of the European
Union, the energy efficiency service (EES) market is much less developed in this market segment than in
other demand sectors (e.g. the industry or the public/service sector).
This paper presents an analysis of the current situation and existing potentials for future expansion. A
specific analysis methodology has been developed and applied by a research consortium in 18 EU
countries. This methodology has mostly built upon an extensive review of the existing literature and on
interviews of a large number of acknowledged experts. Its application has allowed identifying
encouraging development trends in specific market segments where the possibility of aggregating the
EES demand or of exploiting good relationships with customers have created interesting investment
opportunities. These trends have been observed in particular in Germany, Denmark, France, Flanders
(BE), Hungary, Romania and UK. The assessment performed has also allowed discussing a series of
strategies and policy measures that can be adopted to overcome existing barriers to market development.
The general conclusion drawn in the paper is that energy efficiency policies supporting EES
markets in the residential sector are highly needed. Although EU policies have typically a limited direct
impact, they can increase trust into EESs and EES providers. At the national level, a stronger collaboration
of governments or local administrations with banks to finance EESs is still very necessary in many
EU countries.