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Electricity Consumption and Efficiency Measures in Public Buildings: A Comprehensive Review

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  • Aarón Ortiz-Peña

    (Renewable Energy Research Institute, Department of Electrical, Electronic, Automatic and Communications Engineering of ETSII-AB, University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), 02071 Albacete, Spain)

  • Andrés Honrubia-Escribano

    (Renewable Energy Research Institute, Department of Electrical, Electronic, Automatic and Communications Engineering of ETSII-AB, University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), 02071 Albacete, Spain)

  • Emilio Gómez-Lázaro

    (Renewable Energy Research Institute, Department of Electrical, Electronic, Automatic and Communications Engineering of ETSII-AB, University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), 02071 Albacete, Spain)

Abstract

Industrialization and the expansion of service sectors have led to a significant increase in electricity consumption. This rising demand has also been observed in public buildings, which account for a considerable share of total electrical energy use. Coupled with the upward trend in energy prices, this increase has likewise escalated electricity costs in these sectors. The objective of this review is to compile studies that analyze electricity consumption in large public buildings, with a primary focus on universities, as well as works that propose or implement energy-saving measures aimed at reducing consumption. Throughout this review, it is observed that effective monitoring of consumption as well as the use of demand management systems can reduce electricity consumption by up to 15%. Additionally, the studies collected consistently highlight the need for improvements in real-time data monitoring to enhance energy management. Buildings that implement energy-saving measures achieve reductions in demand exceeding 10%, while those incorporating renewable energy systems are capable of covering between 40% and 50% of their energy needs. Of these systems, solar photovoltaic technology is that most widely adopted by public buildings, primarily due to its adaptability to the architectural characteristics and operational requirements of such facilities. This review underscores the substantial impact that optimized monitoring and renewable energy integration can have on reducing the energy footprint of large public facilities.

Suggested Citation

  • Aarón Ortiz-Peña & Andrés Honrubia-Escribano & Emilio Gómez-Lázaro, 2025. "Electricity Consumption and Efficiency Measures in Public Buildings: A Comprehensive Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-25, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:3:p:609-:d:1579008
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