Ovire in spodbujevalni dejavniki energetske učinkovitosti v industrijskih panogah Bosne in Hercegovine

This master's thesis investigates barriers to and drivers of energy efficiency in the industrial sectors in Bosnia and Herzegovina.The key area of interest is to explore the most strongly perceived barriers and drivers for energy efficiency in the industrial sectors in BiH.The primary research, conducted through a questionnaire, outlines the profile of the companies in the sample, their attitude, and commitment towards energy efficiency investments.Additionally, the Likert scale used in the research outlined the main and specific barriers in the industrial sectors in BiH, and drivers that would encourage these investments.The results indicate that companies predominantly encounter economic barriers, especially those classified as economic non-market failures.Hidden costs, such as production disruptions, staff training, and information-gathering expenses, further discourage these investments.Access to capital remains a significant constraint, as companies often lack sufficient collateral and are offered loans with unfavourable interest rates.Energy-efficient technologies are still perceived as risky due to potential technological disruptions and unfamiliarity, compounded by external uncertainties.Additionally, insufficient information about energy efficiency technologies and their benefits contributes to their underutilization, further intensified by adverse selection and the perceived lack of qualified personnel or clear supplier information.High investment costs and long payback periods, often influenced by split incentives, represent additional constraints.Finally, behavioural factors (bounded rationality, organizational values, and inertia) lead firms to prioritize other operational investments over energy efficiency measures.The research on energy efficiency drivers identifies a combination of internal and external factors that motivate companies to invest in energy efficiency measures.Among the most significant external drivers is the anticipated rise in future energy prices, prompting companies to seek more cost-effective energy alternatives.Access to private and public financing opportunities, including government and internationally sponsored energy efficiency programmes and subsidies, also serves as a strong external motivator.Additionally, the pursuit of a positive green image plays a key role in motivating companies, particularly larger corporations that value reputation and market position.Internally, the most influential drivers are the potential for long-term benefits, enhanced market competitiveness, and increased profitability, primarily through reduced energy costs.Finally, capital growth and cost reduction emerge as central motivators for companies seeking to strengthen their market position through energy-efficient practices.The findings emphasize a significant disparity between the available investment opportunities and the actual level of implemented investments in the field of energy efficiency.Despite the establishment of a legislative framework, recommendations are provided for the strengthening of legislation, programmes, and policies.Lack of institutional and policy support hinders the effective realization of energy efficiency investments, limiting the potential benefits that could be achieved through enhanced energy performance in the industrial sector.Future research should address the development, implementation, and enforcement of secondary legislation, norms and standards, and targeted energy efficiency programmes and policies, considering the country's complex administrative structure, including the entity division, cantonal regulations in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and municipal regulations in the Republika Srpska.