Exploring the Critical Barriers to the Implementation of Renewable Technologies in Existing University Buildings

Joaquín Fuentes-del-Burgo, Elena Navarro-Astor, Nuno M. M. Ramos and João Poças Martins
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Joaquín Fuentes-del-Burgo: Escuela Politécnica de Cuenca, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain
Elena Navarro-Astor: Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería de Edificación, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
Nuno M. M. Ramos: CONSTRUCT-LFC, Faculty of Engineering (FEUP), University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
João Poças Martins: CONSTRUCT-GEQUALTEC, Faculty of Engineering (FEUP), University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 22, 1-24

Abstract: For more than a decade, the European Union has been implementing an ambitious energy policy focused on reducing CO 2 emissions, increasing the use of renewable energy and improving energy efficiency. This paper investigates the factors that hinder the application of renewable energy technologies (RETs) in existing university buildings in Spain and Portugal. Following a qualitative methodology, 33 technicians working in the infrastructure management offices of 24 universities have been interviewed. The factors identified have been classified into economic-financial, administrative and legislative barriers, architectural, urban planning, technological, networking, social acceptance, institutional and others. It is concluded that there have not been sufficient economic incentives to carry out RETs projects in this type of building. Conditioning factors can act individually or jointly, generating a greater effect. Most participants consider that there are no social acceptance barriers. Knowledge of these determinants can facilitate actions that help implement this technology on university campuses in both countries.

Keywords: barriers; energy efficiency; renewable energy technologies; university building; energy performance of buildings directive (EPDB) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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