Energy efficiency in buildings — voice of customer

LCP Delta’s study uncovers how newly updated Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) regulations are influencing investment decisions and reshaping priorities for energy efficiency solutions and services.

The client background and key questions(s)

Our client is a global leader in smart infrastructure technology. They were looking for fresh, impartial insights into how new regulations and customer motivations are shaping the small building sector, with a focus on healthcare, education, and commercial buildings across multiple European countries.

They wanted a clearer picture of what drives customers to prioritise energy efficiency, the obstacles they encounter, and how their own offerings compare to competitors. With this knowledge, the client could refine their strategy and deliver more targeted solutions.

Our solution

We conducted thorough market research combined with direct customer insights, engaging building owners and managers across several key sectors: healthcare, education and commercial. From these discussions, we identified their top priorities: integrating renewable energy, reducing operational costs, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

We also analysed the influence of EPBD transposition into each country on their investment decisions. Through competitive benchmarking, we also have pinpointed ways for the client to differentiate their solutions and strengthen their market positioning.

Our impact

Our study has provided the client with critical insights that directly shaped their strategy, helping them align their offerings with customer needs and gain a competitive edge in the market.

Over 70% of respondents across the different sectors prioritised renewable energy integration and technological upgrades. In healthcare, 72% of respondents identified energy efficiency upgrades as essential for compliance and cost reduction, while educational institutions highlighted the need for scalable solutions due to budget limitations. Commercial properties focused on operational efficiency, emphasising the importance of automation and cost-effective energy management solutions.

Additionally, we found that funding constraints were a major concern, especially in the healthcare and education sectors. In the UK, over 55% of respondents relied heavily on subsidies, creating an urgent need for accessible funding solutions. To address this, we proposed offering procurement advisory services to help clients navigate funding options, including subsidies and incentives.