Achieving Maximum Smart Readiness Indicator Scores: A Financial Analysis with an In-Depth Feasibility Study in Non-Ideal Market Conditions

For European competitiveness, energy efficiency must be increased. An important part of energy efficiency depends on an efficient building stock—the sector with the greatest potential for energy savings, as more than a third of all primary energy is consumed in buildings. A new instrument, the smart...

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Main Authors: Mitja Beras, Krzysztof Stępień, Miha Kovačič, Uroš Župerl
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Buildings
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/11/1839
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author Mitja Beras
Krzysztof Stępień
Miha Kovačič
Uroš Župerl
author_facet Mitja Beras
Krzysztof Stępień
Miha Kovačič
Uroš Župerl
author_sort Mitja Beras
collection DOAJ
description For European competitiveness, energy efficiency must be increased. An important part of energy efficiency depends on an efficient building stock—the sector with the greatest potential for energy savings, as more than a third of all primary energy is consumed in buildings. A new instrument, the smart readiness indicator (SRI), is being prepared to accelerate the implementation of smart solutions in buildings and establish a market that would require and accelerate the implementation of such solutions. In this paper, we examine how the SRI score of a shopping center (with an already relatively advanced automation system) changes if we perform an energy optimization worth approximately 6.6 million EUR. As all the upgrades suggested by the SRI methodology cannot be implemented, this paper is the first of its kind to define the maximum feasible SRI score. The necessary measures are elaborated comprehensively, analyzed, and evaluated both technically and financially (IRR, ROI, and payback time). This type of approach is suitable for less developed EU markets without smart grids, DSM, and predictive functions.
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spelling doaj-art-bb8ba6d6c3764aae8d65c8408dcffec22025-08-20T03:46:38ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092025-05-011511183910.3390/buildings15111839Achieving Maximum Smart Readiness Indicator Scores: A Financial Analysis with an In-Depth Feasibility Study in Non-Ideal Market ConditionsMitja Beras0Krzysztof Stępień1Miha Kovačič2Uroš Župerl3Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, SloveniaDepartment of Manufacturing Engineering and Metrology, Kielce University of Technology, 25-314 Kielce, PolandŠtore Steel d.o.o., Železarska cesta 3, 3220 Štore, SloveniaFaculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, SloveniaFor European competitiveness, energy efficiency must be increased. An important part of energy efficiency depends on an efficient building stock—the sector with the greatest potential for energy savings, as more than a third of all primary energy is consumed in buildings. A new instrument, the smart readiness indicator (SRI), is being prepared to accelerate the implementation of smart solutions in buildings and establish a market that would require and accelerate the implementation of such solutions. In this paper, we examine how the SRI score of a shopping center (with an already relatively advanced automation system) changes if we perform an energy optimization worth approximately 6.6 million EUR. As all the upgrades suggested by the SRI methodology cannot be implemented, this paper is the first of its kind to define the maximum feasible SRI score. The necessary measures are elaborated comprehensively, analyzed, and evaluated both technically and financially (IRR, ROI, and payback time). This type of approach is suitable for less developed EU markets without smart grids, DSM, and predictive functions.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/11/1839smart systems readiness indicator (SRI)methodologysmart systemsreal estate energy renovationsenergy efficiencyfinancial analysis
spellingShingle Mitja Beras
Krzysztof Stępień
Miha Kovačič
Uroš Župerl
Achieving Maximum Smart Readiness Indicator Scores: A Financial Analysis with an In-Depth Feasibility Study in Non-Ideal Market Conditions
Buildings
smart systems readiness indicator (SRI)
methodology
smart systems
real estate energy renovations
energy efficiency
financial analysis
title Achieving Maximum Smart Readiness Indicator Scores: A Financial Analysis with an In-Depth Feasibility Study in Non-Ideal Market Conditions
title_full Achieving Maximum Smart Readiness Indicator Scores: A Financial Analysis with an In-Depth Feasibility Study in Non-Ideal Market Conditions
title_fullStr Achieving Maximum Smart Readiness Indicator Scores: A Financial Analysis with an In-Depth Feasibility Study in Non-Ideal Market Conditions
title_full_unstemmed Achieving Maximum Smart Readiness Indicator Scores: A Financial Analysis with an In-Depth Feasibility Study in Non-Ideal Market Conditions
title_short Achieving Maximum Smart Readiness Indicator Scores: A Financial Analysis with an In-Depth Feasibility Study in Non-Ideal Market Conditions
title_sort achieving maximum smart readiness indicator scores a financial analysis with an in depth feasibility study in non ideal market conditions
topic smart systems readiness indicator (SRI)
methodology
smart systems
real estate energy renovations
energy efficiency
financial analysis
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/11/1839
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