Analysis of US commercial buildings’ energy efficiency programs

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate relationships between five energy efficiency programs and electricity intensities in the US commercial buildings sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Regression methods analyze state-level secondary data from 2006 through 2009 to identify significant energy program drivers of electricity efficiency.

Findings

Combined, the five programs studied account for approximately nine percent reduction in commercial electricity intensity.

Practical implications

Outcomes will inform stakeholders’ decision-making regarding adoption or continuation of energy programs.

Social implications

Electricity efficiency gains will help reduce negative environmental aspects and the present dependence on foreign oil.

Originality/value

Very little research has considered the impact of multiple programs on commercial electricity efficiency within their complex implementation environment.

Citation

Ofori-Boadu, A.N., Shofoluwe, M.A., Owusu-Manu, D.-G., Holt, G.D. and Edwards, D. (2015), "Analysis of US commercial buildings’ energy efficiency programs", Built Environment Project and Asset Management, Vol. 5 No. 4, pp. 349-362. https://doi.org/10.1108/BEPAM-03-2014-0015