Market Barriers for Energy Efficient City Systems in Five European Countries

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the main market barriers which prevent energy efficiency improvements in cities and communities. The results reveal that despite the differences of the economic, cultural, social and political environments of the studied countries, some main market barriers seem to exist in all countries. The most significant identified barriers were educational/information-related barriers, cost-oriented thinking and bureaucratic/ regulatory barriers. The findings of this study suggest that some strategies could be implemented in all the studied countries: the government bodies should provide incentives for energy efficient refurbishment in forms of financial instruments, policies and subsidies; more supportive regulations and legal framework are needed, and social awareness could be raised by introducing educational programmes at different levels encompassing all stakeholders.