Perception of barriers to the inclusion of energy efficiency criteria in buildings

This article analyses the main barriers to energy-efficiency perceived by groups of architects who work in the public and private sectors in the main cities of the centre and south of Chile. The methodology was based on Focus Groups of architects from Temuco, Valdivia, Concepcion and Santiago who are experienced in these issues, or at least show a growing interest. The information gathered was organised around groups of barriers of different nature that were compared with the main personal motivations and also with the main external incentives perceived by the architects. The methodology also made it possible to distinguish different barriers and motivations coming from the groups of different cities that respond to local characteristics such as climate and specific socio-political situations. The results suggest that the main motivations for Chilean architects respond to aims of professional development and social responsibility; while the main barriers respond to multiple causes, from higher investment costs and lack of financial incentives to the important barriers of lack of knowledge and professional competence in these issues. The conclusions identify the main implications of this study for education, where the results suggest the necessity of covering education in energy efficiency along the complete application chain, from postgraduate studies to technical courses for construction workers, as well as the dissemination of knowledge for the whole society. In addition, the development of new policies in the area should focus on financial and tributary incentives, as well as more regulations with severe technical standards. The conclusions also suggest the necessity of a better articulation of the different institutions, which permit to generate more effective actions.