IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jeners/v16y2023i24p7952-d1295897.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Socio-Economic Barriers to Adopting Energy-Saving Bioclimatic Strategies in a Mediterranean Sustainable Real Estate Setting: A Quantitative Analysis of Resident Perspectives

Author

Listed:
  • Constantinos Vassiliades

    (School of Architecture, Land and Environmental Sciences, Neapolis University Pafos (NUP), Pafos 8042, Cyprus
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Christos Minterides

    (School of Architecture, Land and Environmental Sciences, Neapolis University Pafos (NUP), Pafos 8042, Cyprus
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Olga-Eleni Astara

    (Department of Regional Development, Ionian University, 31100 Lefkada, Greece
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Giovanni Barone

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Ioannis Vardopoulos

    (School of Architecture, Land and Environmental Sciences, Neapolis University Pafos (NUP), Pafos 8042, Cyprus
    School of Environment, Geography and Applied Economics, Harokopio University of Athens (HUA), 17676 Kallithea, Greece
    Department of Regional and Economic Development, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), 33100 Amfissa, Greece
    Foundation for Mediterranean Studies, 10552 Athens, Greece)

Abstract

In response to escalating environmental challenges, this research underscores the pivotal role of sustainable construction practices, particularly focusing on bioclimatic design as a foundational element within the realm of sustainable architecture and environmental upgrading of buildings, within the broader context of sustainable urban planning. The study delves into the perspectives of residents in Cyprus concerning bioclimatic building design. Employing a quantitative methodology, the investigation aims to comprehensively assess homeowner views on the benefits, motivations, concerns, and preferred techniques associated with bioclimatic design. By comprehending these perspectives and contextual factors, this study identifies obstacles hindering broader implementation and illuminates why adoption remains limited, despite the potential for substantial energy and emissions reductions. The research also examines the background of respondents, such as heating/cooling systems, energy expenses, and upgrade preferences, to provide essential context for the findings. A structured questionnaire was administered to a stratified sample of 150 pedestrians in the Pafos area, ensuring a representative cross-section of the local population. This method allowed for a robust examination of demographic influences on opinions and an in-depth analysis of the impact of residential characteristics. The findings reveal a substantial influence of cost considerations in shaping decisions related to residential property development and the renovation of existing structures, contributing to the limitation of widespread adoption across the island. This influence persists even as a majority of respondents express a readiness to undertake building energy upgrades, among which, the most popular actions include the installation of specialized glass, the replacement of traditional air conditioning units with inverters, and the adoption of energy-efficient lighting. The research culminates in the proposal that introducing financial incentives has the potential to enhance homeowner participation in bioclimatic and energy upgrades. This recommendation is particularly salient in the climatic context of Cyprus, where the implementation of solar control measures emerges as a promising avenue for bolstering energy efficiency. In considering the socio-economic dimensions implicit in these findings, it becomes evident that the interplay between financial considerations and sustainable construction practices is a critical aspect. The identified barriers underscore the necessity for nuanced strategies and policy frameworks that address the socio-economic dimensions of bioclimatic design adoption. In this context, the study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by shedding light on the intricate relationship between financial factors and sustainable architectural practices, offering implications for future research endeavors and potential avenues for policy interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Constantinos Vassiliades & Christos Minterides & Olga-Eleni Astara & Giovanni Barone & Ioannis Vardopoulos, 2023. "Socio-Economic Barriers to Adopting Energy-Saving Bioclimatic Strategies in a Mediterranean Sustainable Real Estate Setting: A Quantitative Analysis of Resident Perspectives," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-18, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:24:p:7952-:d:1295897
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/16/24/7952/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/16/24/7952/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Chen, Yaowen & Chen, Zhihua & Wang, Dengjia & Liu, Yanfeng & Zhang, Yaya & Liu, Yanming & Zhao, Yiting & Gao, Meng & Fan, Jianhua, 2023. "Co-optimization of passive building and active solar heating system based on the objective of minimum carbon emissions," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 275(C).
    2. Panos, Evangelos & Glynn, James & Kypreos, Socrates & Lehtilä, Antti & Yue, Xiufeng & Ó Gallachóir, Brian & Daniels, David & Dai, Hancheng, 2023. "Deep decarbonisation pathways of the energy system in times of unprecedented uncertainty in the energy sector," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 180(C).
    3. Chen, Yongbao & Xu, Peng & Chen, Zhe & Wang, Hongxin & Sha, Huajing & Ji, Ying & Zhang, Yongming & Dou, Qiang & Wang, Sheng, 2020. "Experimental investigation of demand response potential of buildings: Combined passive thermal mass and active storage," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 280(C).
    4. Wen, Jun & Okolo, Chukwuemeka Valentine & Ugwuoke, Ifeanyi Celestine & Kolani, Kibir, 2022. "Research on influencing factors of renewable energy, energy efficiency, on technological innovation. Does trade, investment and human capital development matter?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).
    5. Dhakouani, Asma & Znouda, Essia & Bouden, Chiheb, 2019. "Impacts of energy efficiency policies on the integration of renewable energy," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).
    6. Ioannis Vardopoulos & Ioannis Vannas & George Xydis & Constantinos Vassiliades, 2023. "Homeowners’ Perceptions of Renewable Energy and Market Value of Sustainable Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-18, May.
    7. Barone, G. & Vassiliades, C. & Elia, C. & Savvides, A. & Kalogirou, S., 2023. "Design optimization of a solar system integrated double-skin façade for a clustered housing unit," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 215(C).
    8. Hasim Altan & Bertug Ozarisoy, 2022. "An Analysis of the Development of Modular Building Design Elements to Improve Thermal Performance of a Representative High Rise Residential Estate in the Coastline City of Famagusta, Cyprus," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-50, March.
    9. Barone, Giovanni & Buonomano, Annamaria & Del Papa, Gianluca & Maka, Robert & Palombo, Adolfo, 2023. "How to achieve energy efficiency and sustainability of large ships: a new tool to optimize the operation of on-board diesel generators," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 282(C).
    10. Barone, Giovanni & Buonomano, Annamaria & Giuzio, Giovanni Francesco & Palombo, Adolfo, 2023. "Towards zero energy infrastructure buildings: optimal design of envelope and cooling system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 279(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Wang, Yongpei & Yan, Qing, 2023. "Is cleaner more efficient? Exploring nonlinear impacts of renewable energy deployment on regional total factor energy efficiency," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 216(C).
    2. Yang, Jing & Zhang, Zhiyong & Hong, Ming & Yang, Mingwan & Chen, Jiayu, 2020. "An oligarchy game model for the mobile waste heat recovery energy supply chain," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 210(C).
    3. Xiaofeng Xu & Xiangyu Chen & Yi Xu & Tao Wang & Yifan Zhang, 2022. "Improving the Innovative Performance of Renewable Energy Enterprises in China: Effects of Subsidy Policy and Intellectual Property Legislation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-24, July.
    4. Akan, Taner & Gündüz, Halil İbrahim & Emirmahmutoğlu, Furkan & Işık, Ali Haydar, 2023. "Disaggregating renewable energy-growth nexus: W-ARDL and W-Toda-Yamamoto approaches," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 188(C).
    5. Prokop, Viktor & Gerstlberger, Wolfgang & Zapletal, David & Gyamfi, Solomon, 2023. "Do we need human capital heterogeneity for energy efficiency and innovativeness? Insights from European catching-up territories," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 177(C).
    6. Alvarado, Rafael & Murshed, Muntasir & Cifuentes-Faura, Javier & Işık, Cem & Razib Hossain, Mohammad & Tillaguango, Brayan, 2023. "Nexuses between rent of natural resources, economic complexity, and technological innovation: The roles of GDP, human capital and civil liberties," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(PA).
    7. Wojciech Chmielewski & Marta Postuła & Przemysław Dubel, 2023. "The Impact of Expenditure on Research and Development on Selected Energy Factors in the European Union," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-18, April.
    8. Yu, Bolin & Fang, Debin & Xiao, Kun & Pan, Yuling, 2023. "Drivers of renewable energy penetration and its role in power sector's deep decarbonization towards carbon peak," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 178(C).
    9. Dagher, Leila & Fattouh, Bassam & Jamali, Ibrahim, 2019. "Oil price dynamics and energy transitions in the Middle East and North Africa: Economic implications and structural reforms," MPRA Paper 116085, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    10. Wei, Jia & Wen, Jun & Wang, Xiao-Yang & Ma, Jie & Chang, Chun-Ping, 2023. "Green innovation, natural extreme events, and energy transition: Evidence from Asia-Pacific economies," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 121(C).
    11. Jann Michael Weinand, 2020. "Reviewing Municipal Energy System Planning in a Bibliometric Analysis: Evolution of the Research Field between 1991 and 2019," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-18, March.
    12. Wang, Qiaochu & Ding, Yan & Kong, Xiangfei & Tian, Zhe & Xu, Linrui & He, Qing, 2022. "Load pattern recognition based optimization method for energy flexibility in office buildings," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 254(PC).
    13. Mengyu Zhang & Xiaoyu Ma & Jiamin Liu, 2024. "Can Infrastructure Upgrading Achieve the Synergistic Effect of Pollution Reduction and Carbon Reduction? Evidence from the High-Speed Rail and “Broadband China” Strategies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-22, February.
    14. Liu, Hui & Zhu, Qirong & Muhammad Khoso, Wali & Khalique Khoso, Abdul, 2023. "Spatial pattern and the development of green finance trends in China," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 211(C), pages 370-378.
    15. Barone, Giovanni & Buonomano, Annamaria & Del Papa, Gianluca & Maka, Robert & Palombo, Adolfo, 2023. "How to achieve energy efficiency and sustainability of large ships: a new tool to optimize the operation of on-board diesel generators," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 282(C).
    16. Aleksandra Gąsior & Jakub Grabowski & Jarosław Ropęga & Anna Walecka, 2022. "Creating a Competitive Advantage for Micro and Small Enterprises Based on Eco-Innovation as a Determinant of the Energy Efficiency of the Economy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-29, September.
    17. Sakariyahu, Rilwan & Lawal, Rodiat & Etudaiye-Muhtar, Oyebola Fatima & Ajide, Folorunsho Monsuru, 2023. "Reflections on COP27: How do technological innovations and economic freedom affect environmental quality in Africa?," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 195(C).
    18. Yashwant S. Rawat & G. S. Singh & Anteneh T. Tekleyohannes, 2024. "Optimizing the Benefits of Invasive Alien Plants Biomass in South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-17, February.
    19. Alfonso Marino & Paolo Pariso, 2023. "Digital innovation government: organizational and energy analysis in Italian hospitals," Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 10(3), pages 214-230, March.
    20. YunQian Zhang, 2023. "Impact of green finance and environmental protection on green economic recovery in South Asian economies: mediating role of FinTech," Economic Change and Restructuring, Springer, vol. 56(3), pages 2069-2086, June.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:24:p:7952-:d:1295897. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.