Modeling and Optimizing the Process of Identifying Energy-Saving Potential Scope (ESPS) in Municipalities: A Combinatorial Approach to ISO 50001 Implementation

The energy consumption of buildings, the effectiveness of energy-saving measures, and the exploitation of energy-saving potential are strategic issues for improving the energy performance of public assets and limiting their environmental impact. However, small and medium municipalities (SMMs) encounter difficulties in identifying their energy-intensive units, a process that is often lengthy (3 to 18 months), costly, and dependent on traditional methods such as the Real Estate and Energy Master Plan (REMP) promoted by ADEME or the Cit’ergie system. These approaches, although structured, rely on time-consuming manual analyses that require significant technical and human resources. This article proposes an innovative solution, PG2E, based on a combinatorial approach that quickly identifies Energy-Saving Potential Scope (ESPSs) from energy consumption data. Backed by a realistic–critical stance to assess the limitations of existing systems and a constructivist–pragmatic approach to designing a tool adapted to SMMs, the PG2E solution uses simple statistical criteria (average, upper quartile). This study, conducted in the town of Quesnoy-Sur-Deûle, shows that PG2E identifies ESPS with a success rate of 60% to 100% while reducing time and costs. It thus offers an accessible digital alternative for initiating an approach that complies with the ISO 50001 standard.