Decision-Making in Existing Commercial Buildings
Workshop
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
November 7 - 8, 2002
ACEEE hosted an 'invitation only' workshop on decision-making
in the existing commercial building sector in November 2002. The
workshop drew together a range of professionals with a common interest
in the improvement of energy performance in this sector. Presentations
were given by professionals from a wide range of backgrounds, including
real estate and finance, as well as by researchers and program directors.
The workshop provided an opportunity for in-depth discussion of
markets for energy-efficiency in existing commercial buildings and
strategies for transforming this market to actively pursue cost-effective,
energy-efficient opportunities. This workshop addressed issues such
as: the lack of knowledge of processes surrounding the initiation
of energy projects; decision-making regarding energy efficiency,
and; the form, content and timing of critical energy information
for these processes.
The existing commercial building sector encompasses a wide range
of building types, and professionals and stakeholders. Activity
within this sector is characterized by significant constraints in
the existing physical fabric, financial considerations, and technical
challenges. Market transformation of this sector for energy-efficiency
is thus a complex process, albeit one with many access points and
opportunities.
A number of overarching issues needed further discussion and work
for market transformation of this sector to proceed efficiently.
Workshop Objectives:
- To gain a thorough understanding of market motivations and
barriers for existing commercial buildings.
- To identify the most productive paradigms for further research
and Market Transformation programs in this area.
- To establish priorities for future research and programs.
Discussion Groups:
- What additional research is needed to understand Market Transformation
opportunities in existing commercial buildings?
- Do the existing paradigms in this area make sense?
- What are the priorities for action in this area?
