Optimerad energianvändning; nyckeln till framgång eller ett kostsamt åtagande? : En analys av hyresgästers vilja att betala för energieffektiviseringar i fastigheter

Since sustainability has long been a challenge in the property sector, and energy efficiency isbecoming increasingly important, the potential of energy efficiency in two commercialbuildings is explored. Additionally, it will examine the implementation of energy efficiencyfrom a tenant's perspective and their role in achieving sustainable outcomes. The thesis alsoconsiders the influence of the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) andrelated legislation, which place growing demands on property owners and tenants alike tomeet higher energy performance standards. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis is to evaluate whether an older commercial building canachieve energy performance levels comparable to a newer constructed building, consideringcurrent and evolving regulations. It further aims to investigate tenants' engagement in energyrelated efforts, with a focus on how their behavior, motivation, and interaction with propertyowners impact the practical implementation of energy efficiency measures. To fulfill thispurpose, a mixed-method approach is adopted, which combines qualitative semi-structuredinterviews with tenants and a quantitative comparative analysis of key energy performanceindicators of two properties. The results show that with targeted retrofitting measures, the older building can achieveenergy performance levels comparable to the new construction, achieving up to a 26%reduction in total energy use. Moreover, tenants' willingness to pay extra for energy efficientbuildings is often financially limited and is therefore more driven by operational savings orcomfort improvements rather than environmental considerations. Another key challengeidentified is the lack of accessible energy information and the misalignment of incentivesbetween property owners and tenants. The thesis concludes that greater communication,transparency, access to KPIs, and collaborative investment models are essential to bridge thegap between regulatory ambitions, property owners, and tenants.