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Social and Infrastructural Conditioning of Lowering Energy Costs and Improving the Energy Efficiency of Buildings in the Context of the Local Energy Policy

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  • Maria Mrówczyńska

    (Architecture and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Zielona Góra, 65-417 Zielona Góra, Licealna 9, Poland)

  • Marta Skiba

    (Architecture and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Zielona Góra, 65-417 Zielona Góra, Licealna 9, Poland)

  • Anna Bazan-Krzywoszańska

    (Architecture and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Zielona Góra, 65-417 Zielona Góra, Licealna 9, Poland)

  • Dorota Bazuń

    (Psychology and Sociology, Faculty of Education, University of Zielona Góra, 65-417 Zielona Góra, Licealna 9, Poland)

  • Mariusz Kwiatkowski

    (Psychology and Sociology, Faculty of Education, University of Zielona Góra, 65-417 Zielona Góra, Licealna 9, Poland)

Abstract

The main problem in creating successful efficiency improvement policies is adjusting objectives to local development programs, dependent on public awareness. This article attempts to find a framework for the costs of changing energy policies using neural networks to identify the social-infrastructure conditions. An analysis model is presented of social-infrastructure conditions of energy costs reduction and buildings’ efficiency improvement. Data were obtained from standardized interviews with Zielona Góra, Poland inhabitants and the Town Energy Audit documentation. The data were analyzed using an artificial neural network. This allowed the creation of a model to estimate the cost inhabitants will incur if the energy is sourced from RES (Renewable Energy Systems). The city social-infrastructural correlation model enabled diagnosing its fragments that can support decision-making. The paper contributes to the current knowledge demonstrating the possibilities of hierarchical investments, different for various buildings and neighborhoods, that allow for rational public funding. Knowledge of the correlation conditions matters when implementing effective local policy. This work is based on pilot studies not financed by the parties concerned. Multiple themes were intentionally investigated: emission control, reducing energy consumption, renovating buildings, supplying with RES, and energy poverty, to show methods to match the goal (hard) to social conditions (soft), rarely presented in studies.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Mrówczyńska & Marta Skiba & Anna Bazan-Krzywoszańska & Dorota Bazuń & Mariusz Kwiatkowski, 2018. "Social and Infrastructural Conditioning of Lowering Energy Costs and Improving the Energy Efficiency of Buildings in the Context of the Local Energy Policy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:11:y:2018:i:9:p:2302-:d:167100
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    5. Mrówczyńska, Maria & Skiba, Marta & Bazan-Krzywoszańska, Anna & Sztubecka, Małgorzata, 2020. "Household standards and socio-economic aspects as a factor determining energy consumption in the city," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 264(C).
    6. Sergio Gómez Melgar & Miguel Ángel Martínez Bohórquez & José Manuel Andújar Márquez, 2020. "uhuMEBr: Energy Refurbishment of Existing Buildings in Subtropical Climates to Become Minimum Energy Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-35, March.
    7. Tsagarakis, Konstantinos P., 2020. "Shallow geothermal energy under the microscope: Social, economic, and institutional aspects," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 147(P2), pages 2801-2808.
    8. Mrówczyńska, M. & Skiba, M. & Sztubecka, M. & Bazan-Krzywoszańska, A. & Kazak, J.K. & Gajownik, P., 2021. "Scenarios as a tool supporting decisions in urban energy policy: The analysis using fuzzy logic, multi-criteria analysis and GIS tools," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).

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