The transition to energy efficient buildings in Austria: An extended technology wedges approach

Panel: 5. Saving energy in buildings: The time to act is now

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Daniela Kletzan-Slamanig, Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO), Austria
Claudia Kettner, Austrian Institute of Economic Research, Austria
Angela Köppl, Austrian Institute of Economic Research, Austria
Andreas Karner, KWI Consultants Gmbh, Austria
Heidemarie Artner, KWI Consultants Gmbh, Austria

Abstract

Energy and climate policy objectives require a fundamental restructuring of our energy systems, affecting energy service and final energy demand as well as energy generation. One central area for changes is the building sector that accounts for a significant share in energy related CO2 emissions and energy demand.

In the research presented in this paper, an extended concept of technology wedges is used for Austria to illustrate options for technological changes in buildings. A wedge is defined as an option that achieves substantial reductions in energy demand and/or emissions. The effects on the whole energy cascade are taken into account (changes in energy services – application and transformation technologies – primary energy).

As an approximation for services in the building sector surface area and energy demand per m2 is taken. The aim of the technology wedges is a reduction of energy demand per service unit and thus an overall reduction of energy demand of the building sector. This can be accomplished by an improvement in the thermal quality of the building stock (refurbishments), a faster diffusion of passive houses in new construction, more efficient heating systems and a larger share of renewables including decentralised production of electricity, and finally savings in electricity demand through energy efficient appliances.

In a first step energy demand and CO2 emissions are extrapolated until 2020 (reference path). In a second step the potential for savings from the implementation of individual technology wedges is calculated. A portfolio of options is developed which accounts for interactions between wedges (e.g. reduced potential for renewables in heating due to refurbishment). In addition to the energy and emission effects of implementing the wedges their economic impacts are assessed.