Determinants of energy-efficient home retrofits in Slovenia: The role of information sources.

Highlights • Energy-efficient home retrofits of Slovenian house owners are studied. • Econometric models analyse partial and integral approach to retrofits. • Drivers and barriers for the building retrofit decisions are determined. • Various information sources influence energy-efficient retrofit decisions. • Free public energy audits have failed to deliver the expected outcome. Abstract The paper examines what determines household energy-efficient retrofit decisions in Slovenia based on analysis of more than 1000 single family-house owners, survey respondents. While previous studies typically stress the importance of professional energy audits, this paper shows that other formal and informal sources of information and advice also play a significant role in informing homeowners and fostering energy-efficient retrofit decisions. Compared to partial retrofit measures, an integral approach to retrofits is more strongly associated with estimated energy saving potential, household income and professional advice seeking. On the other hand, free public energy consultation appears to have failed to deliver the expected outcome. Results of econometric analysis on barriers and drivers for building energy retrofits call for strengthening the financial incentives, informing and educating the public through various information sources, combined with the redesign of public Energy Advisory Network to increase the reach of residential building energy-efficiency policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]