In France, studies on energy-saving investments for residential buildings are still relatively rare even if this sector exhibits a high potential for energy-savings. In this PhD dissertation, the aim is to isolate the determinants of energy efficient investments in the residential sector in France in order to provide some policy recommendations. We also want to study the effect of current and potential public policies designed to trigger retrofit investments.The dissertation consists in four chapters. In the first essay, our main objective is to analyze household’s expenditures in renovation works by distinguishing energy efficiency works (insulation works and equipment replacement works) and reparation works using an econometric approach. In the second essay, we seek to understand the home renovation decision of households in a theoretical model in which there exist split incentives (landlord/tenant case). In the third essay, we study the decision to invest in energy efficiency by taking into account irreversibility and uncertainties on energy prices and on income return in a general equilibrium framework. Finally, the fourth essay assesses the effect of public policy on the decision to invest using an empirical approach.We model energy consumption and GHG emissions, the decision to invest in energy-saving renovations and the dynamics of the housing stock.
