Backsolving the residential puzzle
Existing housing stock offers big efficiency wins but also presents the hardest challenges
Discussion around energy efficiency tends to centre on large-scale production of energy for end-users. The demand side is often overlooked in the energy transition discussion, with energy efficiency gains from buildings particularly ignored. Within the sector, residential dwellings have big potential gains, but present challenges that have proved difficult to address. “There is no way around it—energy efficiency is boring. You are talking about things you cannot see,” says a veteran energy efficiency expert. But that does not make it unimportant or economically meaningless. “The last bit of energy you are not using is the most expensive energy you would been using at that time”, he adds. Acc
Also in this section
21 April 2026
After overcoming a COVID-induced demand collapse with several years of successful market management, geopolitical events have conspired to provide the pact’s biggest test to date
21 April 2026
The regime’s policy of using nuclear ambiguity as a deterrent may have failed but it has realised it has other cards to play, while its neighbours are reappraising their approach to security
21 April 2026
As the global energy system undergoes a fundamental realignment, Algihaz Holdings has established itself as a critical player bridging conventional energy markets and the next generation of renewable infrastructure.
21 April 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress is taking place from 11-15 October 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.






