Energy efficiency options for buildings: Insights from buildings energy audit reports in Kazakhstan

There is a significant potential for energy efficiency improvements in the residential buildings in Kazakhstan. The analysis of energy audits confirmed this statement: heat transfer coefficient of walls is much higher than in European countries with similar climates. In consequence, households consumption of energy in Kazakhstan per square meter of area is nearly three times higher than in Europe. Energy efficiency options with payback period of less than 10 years may contribute in average to the 10% reduction of energy consumption. While all energy efficiency options may contribute in average to 27% reduction of total energy consumption by building. Energy efficiency options with low investment costs and relatively high economic savings are pipe insulation and energy efficient lighting. Whereas recovery of insulation of external walls and basement, energy monitoring as well as replacement of windows and doors in communal entrance hallways are measures with low investment costs and relatively moderate economic savings. There are energy efficiency options with very high payback period - more than 48 years - such as insulation of walls, automated heat supply station, insulation of roofs as well as replacement of windows. These measures are unlikely to be implemented by homeowners themselves, without supporting mechanisms from the Government.