An analysis of different business models for energy efficient renovation of residential districts in Russian cold regions

The Russian apartment building stock is old and its energy efficiency is poor. Due to the technical structure of the district heating used in Russia, energy renovations of single buildings seldom lead to reduced energy production. Energy production demands are reduced only if the residential districts and their various utilities and networks are renovated holistically. This paper analyzes potential business models for energy efficient renovation of Russian residential districts in cold urban regions. After giving background information on Russian housing, the principle idea and planned contents of the Russian district renovations with main stakeholders and business model components are described. Potential business models are identified and their applicability for the Russian district renovations is analyzed. None of the analyzed business models as such suit for the district renovations in Russia but they all would need modifications. Crucial aspects for modifying the ESCO model, selected as the most potential one, are also addressed.