Drivers and barriers to the adoption of passive energy consumption optimisation strategies for UK buildings: A fuzzy approach

Abstract

Passive energy consumption optimisation strategies present suitable remedies for mitigating the detrimental effects of buildings on both individuals and the environment. Despite their potential, the drivers and barriers to adopting passive strategies for buildings have yet to be comprehensively investigated, leaving a critical gap in the existing body of knowledge. Addressing this gap is of critical importance, as decision-makers need to possess a comprehensive understanding of the drivers and barriers, their relative significance, and the interrelationships among them to enable informed and effective decision-making regarding the implementation of passive strategies. Hence, this research endeavours to address the gap by employing a multifaceted research approach. The drivers and barriers to the adoption of passive strategies for UK buildings were initially identified through a systematic literature review and subsequently validated through semi-structured interviews with experts, during which additional drivers and barriers were suggested and the associations among them were discussed. Subsequently, the harmonised drivers and barriers were analysed using thematic and content analyses. Finally, questionnaire survey was used to quantitatively rank the identified drivers and barriers using trapezoidal fuzzy evaluation based on distance from average solution (F-EDAS) method. According to the results, “lack of strict legislation” and “reduced energy demand of building” were identified as the most important barriers and drivers for the adoption of passive strategies for UK buildings. Also, it was concluded that the enforcement of more stringent legislation can resolve several barriers simultaneously. The results obtained from this study can be used as reference points for future policy-making regarding passive energy consumption optimisation strategies.