An examination of end user energy behavior in commercial buildings -

Abstract

Lebanon suffers from a chronic problem of electricity shortages, and therefore power outages are common. According to the World Bank, Electricite du Liban (EDL) -the national electricity provider- covers 61percent of the total electricity demand, while 58percent of private households and nearly 100percent of commercial and industrial enterprises are using back-up generation as an alternative power supply. With the escalation of the electricity supply crisis, several solutions and mitigation plans addressing energy efficiency have been put into action with a total estimated cost of $6.52 billion covering infrastructure, supply, and legal framework. This thesis examines the success of energy efficiency measures within the commercial building sector, which accounts for more than 20percent of Lebanon’s energy consumption. A literature review is used to formulate a set of hypotheses highlighting the factors that positively affect the success of an energy efficiency program adopted by businesses in the commercial sector. The hypotheses were examined as part of a survey targeting end-users and decision-makers in commercial buildings (e.g., banks, malls). The statistical results of the survey will show that employees with certain characteristics tend to be more aware of the importance of energy efficiency at the workplace. These employees are best described by being of a young age, with a university degree, act pro-environmental in their personal lives and believe that combined efforts can make a change.