Energy consumption behaviour in residential buildings in a post-pandemic context in Loja, Ecuador.

ALONSO FRANK, ALCION DE LAS PLEYADES; ALVARADO RODRÍGUEZ, LORENA; VALAREZO JARAMILLO, SANDRA; GALARZA VERA, JOSÉ LUIS

Quito

Congreso; V CONGRESO INTERNACIONAL I+D+I SOSTENIBILIDAD ENERGÉTICA; 2021

Gobierno de la República del Ecuador

Globally, population growth and the consumption of non-renewable energy affect the environmental resources on which urban systems depend. Their inhabitants represent 55% of the world´s population, consume 78% of the world´s energy and produce more than 60% of greenhouse gas emissions. This problem, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, motivates us to question the development of cities from new dimensions and perspectives. This is because the aforementioned crisis exacerbates existing problems related to urban lifestyles and production, which are unsustainable because of their harmful impact on the environment. Although the Republic of Ecuador has abundant natural resources that, under sustainable planning, are being used as energy resources, it turns out that the greatest energy consumption in the building sector is in the residential sector, which is why it is urgent to monitor its energy use. The purpose of this is to establish strategies to reduce consumption levels. Within this context, the present work proceeds to conduct short surveys that allow to know the consumption habits of residential inhabitants of the city of Loja, defined as a case study. This subjective information is correlated with the consumption data, as well as with the self-reporting of their level of knowledge on the subject and their predisposition to make changes in their habits in favor of the rational use of energy. The analysis of the results leads to the elaboration of energy efficiency strategies regarding the energy behavior of the inhabitants, recognizing that information, sensitization and consequent awareness-raising measures must be present. It is concluded that the results obtained become a potential tool to be used in the national public policy. This should increase energy security, resulting in greater productivity and competitiveness of the national economy, as well as the culture of environmental sustainability, which together contribute to the mitigation of climate change and guarantee informed decision making. The latter, inspired by the indigenous cosmovision of the native peoples of the Andes and the Amazon that pursues the "Good Living", whose principles are based on the right of the population to live in a healthy environment, based on respect for nature and access to modern, renewable and efficient energy sources, among others, and are aligned with the National Energy Efficiency Plan of Ecuador 2016-2035 and the Organic Law of Energy Efficiency No. 449 of 2019.