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Purpose: Energy consumption and renewable energy sources are included in the goals for the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) agenda, and target buildings are the biggest electricity consumers. In turn, Netzero energy buildings (NZEB) contribute to achieve SDG7 goals. This paper aims to identify which Brazilian higher education institutions (HEIs) practices contribute to developing the NZEB concept. Design/methodology/approach: Case studies were selected to identify which implanted practices applied by HEIs in Brazil, listed in the UI GreenMetric 2020 Ranking, are related to the NZEB concept. The implemented sustainable practices were also analyzed to evaluate the connections and impact between universities and the local community. Findings: Results show the lighting and air conditioning retrofit were among the most common practices related to energy efficiency to reduce consumption. For renewable energy generation, photovoltaic solar energy is the most common practice used by HEIs. Research limitations/implications: Only Brazilian HEIs listed in the UI Green Metric Ranking were analyzed. No standard regulation or formal reports support the wide dissemination of the strategies adopted by HEIs in Brazil. Practical implications: The strategies adopted by HEIs related to Netzero buildings can reduce emissions, optimize operating costs and improve building comfort conditions, which connect all SDGs. Social implications: HEIs can promote awareness related to energy use and clean energy generation within the local community. Originality/value: This paper presents the most common strategies adopted by Brazilian HEIs. However, limitations related to lack of strategies, data transparency and specific Netzero energy regulation were also found. These issues can hinder other HEIs to adopt similar strategies and contribute to the promotion of SDG7 in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Most countries face important economic, social and environmental challenges and are strongly committed to invest in research and development (R&D) activities to help support the long-run economic sustainable growth. This paper aims to extend the previous research on macro-economic growth models and introduces endogenous variables to determine the amount of investments in R&D activities. Design/methodology/approach: The model considers four different criteria and six economic sectors and aims at finding the optimal allocation of labor across different sectors. The model also endogenously determines the amount of investments in pollution abatement activities together with energy-related R&D efforts. The paper presents an application to the case of Kazakhstan, an emerging Asian country, that aims to become one of the top 30 most developed countries in the world by 2050. Findings: The model shows the limits of the Kazakh agenda that identified too ambitious goals as the country has to go through a sociotechnical transition that involves a range of modifications in institutional structures, together with changes in user practices and the technological dimension. Kazakhstan should invest more in R&D activities able to develop sustainable energy sources to face the current electricity consumption demand and to reduce the greenhouse gas emission in the future. Originality/value: The paper provides valuable knowledge for researchers and policy makers interested in the impact of R&D on the long-run economic sustainable growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries are facing unprecedented challenges related to climate change and population aging. The purpose of the analysis is to explore the relationship between population aging and environmental degradation, accounting for human capital, using a sample of 19 OECD countries over the period 1980–2019. Design/methodology/approach: On the empirical methodology, the analysis uses panel estimators with heterogenous coefficients and an error structure that takes into consideration cross-country heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence for a panel of 19 OECD countries over the period 1980–2019. To examine the relationship between population aging and environmental degradation, the authors employ two alternative measures of environmental degradation that is energy consumption and CO2 emissions in metric tons per capita. Concerning the regressors, the authors account for two alternative aging indicators, namely the elderly population and the old-age dependency ratios to confirm robustness. Findings: The analysis provides evidence that population aging and human capital development (IHC) lead to lower energy consumption in the OECD sample. Overall, the growing number of elderly people in the OECD seems to act as a mitigating factor for energy consumption. The authors view these results as conveying the message that the evolution of population aging along with channeling government expenditures towards human capital enhancement are important drivers of curbing energy consumption and ensuring environmental sustainability. The authors' research is of great significance for environmental policymakers by illuminating the favorable energy consumption patterns that population aging brings to advanced economies. Research limitations/implications: The main limitation of this study concerns data availability. Future research, and subject to greater data availability in the future, could dig deeper into understanding the dynamics of this complex nexus by incorporating additional control variables. Similarly, the authors focus on aggregate renewable energy consumption, and the authors do not explicitly model the sources of renewable energy (wind, hydropower, solar power, solid biofuels and other). Additional analysis of the breakdown of renewable energy sources would be insightful – subject to data availability – especially for meeting the recently agreed new target of 42.5% for European Union (EU) countries by 2030. A deep transformation of the European energy system is needed for the EU to meet the target. Finally, extending the model to include a range of non-OECD countries that are also experiencing demographic transformations is a promising avenue for future research. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to examine the effects of population aging and human capital on environmental degradation using a broad set of OECD countries and advanced spectrum estimation methods. Given cross-sectional dependencies and cross-country heterogeneity, the authors' empirical results underline the importance of cross-OECD policy spillovers and knowledge diffusions across the OECD countries. The new "energy culture" calls for concerted policy action even in an aging era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: One of the most important ways to pay attention to sustainable economic development is to invest in green technology and alter the energy consumption structure (ECS) in countries. Changing the ECS can be important in two ways: first, it increases the diversity of energy consumption and reduces energy dependence on other countries. Second, the use of highly polluted nonrenewable energy sources (such as oil and coal) is reduced, leading to the transfer of energy to natural gas with less carbon emissions or renewable energy. To this end, the authors examined the asymmetric effects of eco-innovation on the US ECS from 1980 to 2019. This paper aims to address this issue. Design/methodology/approach: In this research, the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) (NARDL) model is used and the results are compared with the linear ARDL model. Findings: The ARDL results also confirm the positive effects of oil prices and GDP per capita in the long run. On the other hand, short-term and long-term Wald test results confirm the nonlinear effects of eco-innovation (LPATENT) on US ECS. These results indicate that 1% positive shock in LPATENTˆ+ increases the ECS by 0.179, while 1% negative fluctuations (LPATENTˆ-) leads to a decrease (−0.085) in the ECS. However, the ARDL results, in general, show the positive effects of LPATENT on the ECS in long run. Evidence suggests that ignoring nonlinear effects can lead to inaccurate results. Policy suggestions for environmental technology innovation are presented in the results. Originality/value: This research has innovations in various aspects so that the previous studies in this field have examined the effects of environmental innovation on renewable or nonrenewable energy consumption, and so far no study has been done on the ECS. In this research, the Shannon–Wiener index has been used to calculate the ECS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study intended to analyze the impact of nonrenewable energy consumption, renewable energy consumption, CO2 emissions on per capita income growth in Vietnam in the period 1990–2019. Design/methodology/approach: The present study adopts the technique of the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) cointegration for the annual data collection of Vietnam. Findings: The results of the study show that in the long term, nonrenewable energy consumption increases per capita income, but CO2 emissions reduce per capita income. In the short run, changes in nonrenewable energy consumption and renewable energy consumption promote per capita income growth in Vietnam. However, changes in nonrenewable energy consumption in the past have had a negative impact on the current income growth of Vietnamese people. Originality/value: The current study provides new insights into the growth effect of nonrenewable energy consumption, renewable energy consumption and CO2 emissions. The papers suggests important implications to Vietnam in setting the long-run policies to boost the effect of energy consumption and CO2 emissions on growth in Vietnam in the coming time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This investigation aims to reframe the sizeable literature on barriers and drivers for energy efficiency measures (EEMs) and the phenomenon of the energy efficiency gap. The authors identify a gap between academic methods and industrial needs, as well as a neglect of the cultural dimension, despite its considerable impact. On the basis of this insight, the purpose of this paper is to integrate all of the various influences on industrial energy behavior previously identified in the literature in a refined energy cultures framework.Design/methodology/approach This paper includes a systematic literature review of research in the field of energy management, energy efficiency and cultural aspects within barriers and drivers of energy behavior. The authors select and refine an existing energy cultures framework for the industrial context. To meet industrial needs, the authors applied an ontology mapping of its core elements onto an international standard common for industrial energy management practice.Findings First, the authors present a refined framework for industrial energy cultures incorporating past barriers and drivers as factors. The framework enables an evaluation of attitude and behavioral aspects, underlying technologies, organizational culture and actions related to energy as a system of interdependencies. Second, the factors are ranked on the basis of the number of appearances and empirical metadata. Economic aspects such as “purchase, installment and hidden costs”, “general investment and risk behavior” and “regulatory conditions” are the highest ranked factors, but “existing knowledge about EEM”, “hierarchy approach: top down” and “environmental concerns” follow closely and represent cultural aspects, which are still underrated. Third, while illustrating a successful mapping onto a standardized process of continuous improvement, the authors also argue for heightened academia–practice efforts.Practical implications Reframing the energy efficiency gap as a problem of what aspirations play a role, what technology is chosen and how technologies are used should increase the level of implementation of EEMs in the real business world. Introducing the refined energy cultures framework serves as a starting point for future transdisciplinary collaboration between academia and practice.Social implications Targeting the energy efficiency gap is an essential part of the sustainable development goals. The refined energy cultures framework allows for a better understanding of the industrial energy behaviors that are responsible for a significant share of a company’s success. The introduction of energy cultures serves as a starting point for future scholarly research within sustainability management accounting.Originality/value The investigation combines existing research streams, their concepts and their results about cultural aspects related to energy efficiency for both academics and practitioners. This review is the first to capture all of the various factors analyzed in academic literature using the energy cultures framework as a basis. The authors add to the theoretical development of that framework with its application to the industrial context. This is identified as a gap. Its refinement helps to holistically understand barriers and drivers of industrial EEMs to support its practical implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Bilateral project with Slovenia and Turkey with the title thermal energy storage for efficient utilization of solar energy was the basis for this paper. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is the review of solar thermal storage technologies with examples of use in Slovenia and Turkey. Findings – The authors have found out that compact and cost effective thermal energy storage are essential. Research limitations/implications – Research on the field of thermal energy storage in Slovenia and Turkey is presented. Practical implications – The paper presents solar systems in Slovenia and Turkey. Originality/value – The paper gives information about the sustainable energy future on the basis of solar energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to present and assess the EU energy policies regarding their dependence on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) implications and the level of complexity of the applied ICT implications using the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity of Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method. The used criteria have been retrieved from the official "ICT Implication Assessment method of EU Legislation". Design/methodology/approach: The methodology approach deals with the ranking representation of EU energy policies according to the ICT exploitation. The data for the study were collected from the official website of the European Union (EU) (www.europa.eu). According to these data, the subtopics of the EU energy policies regard the internal energy market, the European energy policy, the energy efficiency, the nuclear energy, the security of energy supply, the external dimension, the enlargement and the renewable energy sources. The EU energy policies were assessed using the TOPSIS multicriteria analysis. The TOPSIS is widely used to solve real-world decision-making problems due to its characteristic to deal with different information types. Findings: According to the results of the research, the EU energy policies achieve a good level of dependence on ICT implications and of complexity of the applied ICT implications but not the optimum. However, EU policy-makers should take into account the ICT factors while updating an existing one or while designing a new energy policy. The results of this research can provide an overview of the current situation regarding the current legislation while moving toward a sustainable eEurope. There is a need for stronger incubation efforts for a wide range of innovations to be ready in due time. Originality/value: This is the first time that EU energy policies are presented and assessed regarding their dependence on ICT implications and the level of complexity of the applied ICT implications using the TOPSIS method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This paper aims to use quantitative metrics to chart the unique history leading to Brazil’s leadership in renewable energy and identifies a set of meta-scenarios that define possible future carbon performance. These meta-scenarios provide a context for discussing specific energy policy implications both at the national scale and from the perspective of Brazil’s urban centres.Design/methodology/approach The paper defines and uses three metrics – energy efficiency, decarbonisation and carbon efficiency – to plot both Brazil’s historic energy pathway and a set of future energy scenarios put forth by various national and international energy agencies. The authors then use a meta-scenario approach to group these alternate pathways, identifying specific policy levers associated with the realisation of each.Findings The authors identify plausible policy changes that will help move Brazil off a current trajectory of stagnated energy performance to a “greener” scenario in which carbon efficiency improves even as Brazil’s economic growth continues. Such policies include energy efficiency programmes and continued expansion of the country’s already extensive hydropower and biomass capacity. Adoption of policies that would put Brazil on a more aggressive path towards a global sustainability scenario currently seems impractical.Originality/value This paper brings a standardized set of metrics to bear on Brazil’s unique energy history, which in turn helps identify specific policy impacts for continued GHG reduction in Brazil’s future from national and urban perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Due to an increase in energy demands, it has become vital to devise efficient energy policies. Literature has suggested multiple factors influencing the consumption of specific energy types. Among others, institutional quality (INQ) is another factor that can determine energy consumption. Given this, the current study aimed to investigate the impact of INQ on fossil fuel energy (FFE) and renewable energy consumption (REC). Design/methodology/approach: The empirical analysis was conducted on 20 years (2000–2019) of data from South Asian economies, and regression among variables was established by employing the dynamic ordinary least square and fully modified ordinary least square models. The selection of both techniques is subject to the existence of cointegration identified by the Johansen cointegration test. Other pre-estimation techniques include cross-section dependence and unit root testing validating the estimation of coefficients in the long run. Findings: The analysis mainly reveals the negative impact of INQ on FFE and the positive impact of INQ on REC. The authors further find the asymmetric impact of control variables including foreign direct investment inflow, economic growth, inflation rate, financial sector development and energy investment on the consumption of both types of energy. Research limitations/implications: Given the positive influence of INQ on REC, it is recommended to focus on improving the efficiency of institutions specifically those that are directly linked with energy-related policies. A better INQ can ensure environmental sustainability by enhancing the consumption of renewable energy. Therefore, it is advised to exert more efforts to improve the INQ. Practical implications: In view of the positive influence of INQ on REC, it is recommended to focus on improving the efficiency of institutions specifically that are directly linked with energy-related policies. A better INQ can ensure environmental sustainability by enhancing the consumption of renewable energy. Therefore, it is advised to exert more efforts for improving the INQ. Originality/value: This study offers robustness to the empirical findings of existing literature on the INQ-REC nexus and complements the underdeveloped literature on the INQ-FFE relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to assess the nexus among oil price (OP), renewable energy consumption (REC) and trade balance (TB) for India using annual time series data for the time period 1985–2019. In particular, the authors examine whether REC improves India's TB in the context of high oil import dependence. Design/methodology/approach: The study uses autoregressive distributed lags (ARDL) bound testing approach that has the advantage of yielding estimates of long-run and short-run parameters simultaneously. Moreover, the small sample properties of this approach are superior to other multivariate cointegration techniques. Fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) and dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) are also applied to test the robustness of the results. The causality among the series is investigated through block exogeneity test based on vector error correction model. Findings: The findings based on ARDL bounds testing approach indicate that OPs exert a negative impact on TB of India in both long run and short run, whereas REC has a favorable impact on the TB. In particular, 1% increase in OPs decreases TBs by 0.003% and a 1% increase in REC improves TB by 0.011%. The results of FMOLS and DOLS corroborate the findings from ARDL estimates. The results of block exogeneity test suggest unidirectional causation from OPs to TB; OPs to REC and REC to TB. Practical implications: The study underscore the importance of renewable energy as a potential tool to curtail trade deficits in the context of Indian economy. Our results suggest that the policymakers must pay attention to the hindrances in augmentation of renewable energy usage and try to capitalize on the resulting gains for the TB. Social implications: Climate change is a major challenge for developing countries like India. Renewable energy sector is considered an important instrument toward attaining the twin objectives of environmental sustainability and employment generation. This study underscores another role of REC as a tool to achieve a sustainable trade position, which may help India save her valuable forex reserves for broader objectives of economic development. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that probes the dynamic nexus among OPs, REC and TB in Indian context. From a policy standpoint, the study underscores the importance of renewable energy as a potential tool to curtail trade deficits in context of India. From a theoretical perspective, the study extends the literature on the determinants of TB by identifying the role of REC in shaping TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This paper aims to analyze the viability of a solar power system as a supplemental power source for commercial and business aircraft.Design/methodology/approach First, a model is established to estimate the potential available power from suitable aircraft surfaces for various meteorological conditions, ground and flight mission characteristics. A proposed aircraft system architecture and an associated parametric conceptual sizing model are presented. This supplemental solar power system sizing model is integrated into an aircraft multidisciplinary design optimization environment to evaluate the aircraft-level impact on mission fuel burn. A parametric study for a business jet aircraft is performed to analyze various solar cell types and power densities for converters. Trade-off studies are performed between efficiency and weight.Findings Considering today’s efficiency and power-to-weight ratio of the system components, overall fuel burn reduction can be achieved. Therefore, the technology development work can start now to target short to mid-term applications. In addition, promising system integration scenarios are identified, such as the use of solar power for autonomous operation of the air conditioning system on ground, which yield potential further benefit. In conclusion, a supplemental solar power system seems a promising candidate for more efficient aircraft operation.Originality/value The presented novel supplemental solar power system architecture concept and its foreseen aircraft integration show potential benefits for near term applications. The results show that the break even for this technology is already reached and therefore build the foundation to further investigate the technology integration challenges. Clear directions for future research and development are outlined enabling the advancement of the technology readiness level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose In response to increasing energy demand and financial constraints to invest in green infrastructure, behaviour change energy-saving interventions are increasingly being considered as a tool for encouraging pro-environmental behaviour in campus residences. This paper aims to report on a pilot programme aimed at reducing energy consumption via behaviour change interventions, variably applied in residences at Rhodes University, South Africa.Design/methodology/approach Data were collected via structured questionnaires, energy consumption records and post-intervention programme focus group discussions.Findings Participant residences that received a mix of different interventions in the forms of pamphlets, face-to-face discussions, incentives and feedback recorded more energy reductions of up to 9 per cent than residences that received a single or no intervention. In post-experiment discussions, students cited personal, institutional and structural barriers to pro-environmental energy-use behaviour.Practical implications Overall, the results of this study suggest that information provision of energy-saving tips combined with regular feedback and incentives can result in energy-use reductions in university residences, which may yield environmental and economic benefits for universities, but addressing barriers to pro-environmental behaviour might maximise the results.Originality/value Given the lack of literature on energy conservation in the global South universities, this study provides the basis for discussing the potential for using behavioural interventions in universities for stirring pathways towards sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine to what extent religious work values such as Islamic work values (IWVs) could have an influence on sustainable work behaviours and sustainable energy consumptions among employees in the workplace.Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through survey questionnaires. The sample consisted of 264 Muslim employees who work in the private and public organisations in Malaysia. Structural equation modelling was conducted using a second-order model.Findings The results showed that religious values (i.e. IWVs) have a significant relationship with sustainable work behaviours and sustainable energy consumptions. The effect on sustainable work behaviours was stronger than its effect on sustainable energy consumptions.Practical implications This study suggests that the policy makers and pundits should pay attention to employees rather than focussing on just the CEO or the managers as the key players in the industries. This would help reduce the emissions of greenhouse gasses and other environmental degradations.Originality/value With regard to sustainability, past studies have mostly used general values rather than religious values in analysing work behaviours or energy consumptions. Furthermore, most previous studies have used behavioural intentions in their theory and concepts when explaining sustainable behaviours. This study extends the literature by conceptualising the value-attitude-behaviour theory which focusses on actual behaviours rather than on intentions in explaining the effect of religious work values on sustainable behaviours and energy consumptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aims to investigate the relationship between renewable energy use and financial performance in non-financial companies in European countries. Design/methodology/approach: This study examines a panel data set consisting of 1,919 firm-year observations of non-financial companies operating in 13 European nations, covering the period from 2014 to 2021. The study uses the ordinary least squares (OLS) and the two-stage least squares method (2SLS) as the baseline models and further enhances robustness with sub-sample analysis. Findings: The results demonstrate a positive link between renewable energy use and financial performance, and these results hold up across different measurements, sub-sample analysis and model specifications, demonstrating their robustness. Furthermore, the results indicate that some factors such as the industry nature and environmental, social and governance (ESG) controversies have an impact on this positive association. Practical implications: The findings are substantial for both policymakers and companies, highlighting the benefits of incorporating renewable energy into their operations for improved business success. Originality/value: This study adds to the existing body of literature on the effect of environmental performance on a company's success by focusing on a novel aspect – the correlation between renewable energy usage and firm performance. It responds to the recent request from researchers to investigate different aspects of sustainability, with a specific emphasis on renewable energy, which is a vital factor in reducing carbon emissions and improving financial performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to examine the effects of energy transition on pollution emissions in Africa. In addition, it explores the indirect channels through which energy consumption impacts environmental quality. Design/methodology/approach: The study uses system Generalised Method of Moments approach for a panel of 51 developing African countries over the 1996–2020 period. Findings: The results show that fossil fuel and renewable energy consumption increase pollution emissions. The environment-degrading effect of renewable energy in Africa is however counter-intuitive, though the results are robust across regional economic blocks and income groups except for upper-middle-income countries where energy consumption is environment enhancing. Moreover, the results show that the environmental impacts of non-renewable energy consumption are modulated through financial development and information and communication technology (ICT) adoption, leading to respective positive net effects of 0.04460796 and 0.07682873. This is up to respective policy thresholds of 203.265 and 137.105 of financial development and ICT adoption, respectively, when the positive net effects are nullified. Practical implications: Contingent on the results, the study suggests the need for African countries to develop sound financial systems and encourage the use of green technologies, to ensure that energy transition effectively contributes to emissions reduction. Policymakers in Africa should also be aware of the critical levels of financial development and ICT, beyond which complementary policies are required for non-renewable energy consumption to maintain a negative impact on environmental degradation. Originality/value: Firstly, extant studies on the nexus between energy transition and environmental degradation in Africa are very sparse. Therefore, this study fills the existing research gap by comprehensively examining the effects of energy transition on pollution emissions across 51 African economies. Additionally, besides accounting for the direct environmental effects of energy transition, the current study accounts for the indirect channels through which the environmental impacts of energy transition are modulated. Hence, this study provides critical thresholds for the policy modulating variables, which enlighten policymakers on the necessity of designing complementary policies once the modulating variables attain the established thresholds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The main purpose of this controller is to carryout irrigation by the farmers with renewable energy resources. Design/methodology/approach: The proposed design includes the Deep learning based intelligent stand-alone energy management system used for irrigation purpose. The deep algorithm applied here is Radial basis function neural network which tracks the maximum power, maintains the battery as well as load system. Findings: The Radial Basis Function Neural Network algorithm is used for carrying out the training process. In comparison with other conventional algorithms, this algorithm outperforms by higher efficiency and lower tracking time without oscillation. Research limitations/implications: It is little complex to implement the hardware setup of neural network in terms of training process but the work is under progress. Practical implications: The practical hardware implementation is under progress. Social implications: If controller are implemented in a real-time environment, definitely it helps the human-less farming and irrigation process. Originality/value: If this system is implemented in real-time environment, every farmer gets benefitted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Due to technological improvement and development of the vehicle-to-home (V2H) concept, electric vehicle (EV) can be considered as an active component of net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs). However, to achieve more dependable results, proper energy analysis is needed to take into consideration the stochastic behavior of renewable energy, energy consumption in the building and vehicle use pattern. This study aims to stochastically model a building integrating photovoltaic panels as a microgeneration technology and EVs to meet NZEB requirements. Design/methodology/approach: First, a multiobjective nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) was developed to optimize the building energy performance considering panels installed on the façade. Next, a dynamic solution is implemented in MATLAB to stochastically model electricity generation using solar panels as well as building and EV energy consumption. Besides, the Monte Carlo simulation method is used for quantifying the uncertainty of NZEB performance. To investigate the impact of weather on both energy consumption and generation, the model is tested in five different climatic zones in Iran. Findings: The results show that the stochastic simulation provides building designers with a variety of convenient options to select the best design based on level of confidence and desired budget. Furthermore, economic evaluation signifies that investing in all studied cities is profitable. Originality/value: Considering the uncertainty in building energy demand and PV power generation as well as EV mobility and the charging–discharging power profile for evaluating building energy performance is the main contribution of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aims to empirically estimate the role of public supports for energy efficiency financing and presents the way forward to mitigate the energy financing barriers that incurred during the COVID-19 crisis. Design/methodology/approach: Using the G7 countries data, the study estimated the nexus between the constructs. Generalized method of moments (GMM) and conventional increasing-smoothing asymptotic of GMM are applied to justify the study findings. Wald econometric technique is also used to robust the results. Findings: The study findings reported a consistent role of public support on energy efficiency financing indicators, during the COVID-19 crisis period. G7 countries raised funds around 17% through public supports for energy efficiency financing, and it raised 4% of per unit energy usage to GDP, accelerated 16% energy efficiency and 24% output of renewable energy sources, during COVID-19. By this, study findings warrant a maximum support from public offices, energy ministries and other allied departments for energy efficiency optimization. Practical implications: The study presents multiple policy implications to enhance energy efficiency through different alternative sources, such as, on-bill financing, direct energy efficiency grant, guaranteed financial contracts for energy efficiency and energy efficiency credit lines. If suggested policy recommendations are applied effectively, this holds the potential to diminish the influence of the COVID-19 crisis and can probably uplift the energy efficiency financing during structural crisis. Originality/value: The originality of the recent study exists in a novel framework of study topicality. Despite growing literature, the empirical discussion in the field of energy efficiency financing and COVID-19 is still shattered and less studied, which is contributed by this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this study was to design a renovation plan for a university campus building (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering) with the aim to achieve nearly zero energy performance, ensuring a low specific demand (lower than 44 kWh/m2) and a high level of on-site renewable generation (equivalent to more than 20 per cent of the energy demand).Design/methodology/approach The baseline demand was characterized based on energy audits, on smart metering data and on the existing building management system data, showing a recent reduction of the electricity demand owing to some implemented measures. The renovation plan was then designed with two main measures, the total replacement of the actual lighting by LEDs and the installation of a photovoltaic system (PV) with 78.8 kWp coupled with an energy storage system with 100 kWh of lithium-ion batteries.Findings The designed renovation achieved energy savings of 20 per cent, with 27.5 per cent of the consumed energy supplied by the PV system. This will ensure a reduction of the specific energy of the building to only 30 kWh/m2, with 42.4 per cent savings on the net-energy demand.Practical implications The designed renovation proves that it is possible to achieve nearly zero energy goals with cost-effective solutions, presenting the lighting renovation and the solar PV generation system a payback of 2.3 and 6.9 years, respectively.Originality/value This study innovated by defining ambitious goals to achieve nearly zero energy levels and presenting a design based on a comprehensive lighting retrofit and PV generation, whereas other studies are mostly based on envelope refurbishment and behaviour changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]