  From both global and local perspectives, there are strong reasons to promote
energy efficiency. These reasons have prompted leaders in the European Union
(EU) and countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to adopt policies
to move their citizenry toward more efficient energy consumption. Energy
efficiency policy is typically framed at the national, or transnational level.
Policy makers then aim to incentivize microeconomic actors to align their
decisions with macroeconomic policy. We suggest another path towards greater
energy efficiency: Highlighting individual benefits at microeconomic level. By
simulating lighting, heating and cooling operations in a model single-family
home equipped with modest automation, we show that individual actors can be led
to pursue energy efficiency out of enlightened self-interest. We apply
simple-to-use, easily, scalable impact indicators that can be made available to
homeowners and serve as intrinsic economic, environmental and social motivators
for pursuing energy efficiency. The indicators reveal tangible homeowner
benefits realizable under both the market-based pricing structure for energy in
Germany and the state-subsidized pricing structure in Algeria. Benefits accrue
under both the continental climate regime of Germany and the Mediterranean
regime of Algeria, notably in the case that cooling energy needs are
considered. Our findings show that smart home technology provides an attractive
path for advancing energy efficiency goals. The indicators we assemble can help
policy makers both to promote tangible benefits of energy efficiency to
individual homeowners, and to identify those investments of public funds that
best support individual pursuit of national and transnational energy goals.
