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Viability of energy efficiency measures in resort buildings-case study: Mazatlan, Mexico

Abstract:

This paper presents the assessment of four energy efficiency measures in a touristic building located in Mazatlan, State of Sinaloa, Mexico. The viability study is conducted through technical and life cycle cost analysis, complemented with impact on greenhouse gas emissions reduction when energy efficiency measures are implemented on: lighting, pumps, chiller and building envelope of an existing hotel located in the resort. Results of the analysis demonstrate that overall, the proposed energy efficiency measures may provide significant savings, but the lighting and use of more efficient chiller (higher COP) are the most effective measures for energy savings. The energy savings resulting from the replacement of lighting and chiller are of the order of 35% and 45%, respectively, while emissions reduction resulted in the order of 34% and 45%, respectively. The sensitivity analysis demonstrated the importance of the cost of electricity, which played the role as the most fundamental element in favor of the proposed efficiency measures. The overall proposed measures would lead to a reduction of 695 tCO2/year, an equity-IRR of 22%, NPV 4450 , Benefit-Cost of 2.93 and equity payback time of 5.1 years, which proves the remarkable financial and environmental advantages of the proposed energy efficiency measures.