English Abstract
Abstract:
Purpose of study: The building sector is an asset that consumes significant energy and contributes to the environmental footprint. In 2018, the globe spent USD 138 billion on energy efficiency in buildings, which could decrease energy intensity by more than 3% annually (Forrester & Reames, 2020). Therefore, the building needs to be operated efficiently. Energy Services Companies (ESCO) offer solutions to achieve efficiency in building with high measures. The research aimed to serve the goal since the Kingdom of Bahrain sets its energy efficiency targets in the building as an important part of its sustainability. This study explores the factors that affect the implementation of ESCO projects on government premises. Also, the study emphasizes the decision-maker's role in considering a proper strategy to implement ESCO on governmental premises. The study focuses on ESCO’s experts from different industries.
Methodology and Design: Quantitative and qualitative research methods were used to answer the questions presented in the study. The data used in the study comes from pre-set questionnaires tackling the benefits and challenges of implementing the ESCO project on governmental premises.
Research Primary data is collected through semi-structured questionnaires and online surveys based on a rating scale (1/9–9 point rating scale) through questionnaire design. The sample size is 25 energy efficiency project experts from the government, industrial, private, and academic sectors. The sample
was selected based on their involvement in ESCO and energy efficiency in buildings. Google Forms and Teams are used to conduct surveys, and Microsoft Excel is used to study the results and analyze the data. Many mathematical and analysis techniques were used to provide a comprehensive evaluation of data, such as Fuzzy, Fuzzy AHP, sensitive analysis, Fuzzy
TOPSIS, and hypotheses, and merge them with SWOT analysis techniques to find the best strategy for implementing ESCO projects on governmental premises.
Finding: The study revealed that strengths are the most critical factors when selecting a proper strategy to implement ESCO projects on governmental premises. It also found four strategies to promote and implement successful ESCO projects.
