Information tools for energy demand reduction in existing residential buildings

Some of the key factors influencing the size of impact are the accompanying informational campaigns (Stromback and Dromacque 2010) and the previous consumption habits of the users (Aune 2001). [...] The update of the EPBD (European Performance of Buildings Directive), however, could increase the impact of EPCs in the future as the relevance of the certificate is suggested to increase if it is shown more frequently to purchasers. [...] In the UK, on the other hand, Lainé (2001) concluded that 17% of respondents acted on the recommendations of the EPC and NHER (2009) found that 32% of respondents implemented some of the EPC recommendations. [...] However, the responses in the latter study indicate that the EPC was the least useful information source for assessing the financial implications of the energy performance of dwellings (Figure 2.5). [...] The relevance of the EPC depends on the relevance of the criterion that it informs.