Evaluation and strategic optimization of public institution energy efficiency: a hybrid framework combining CRITIC weighting and tripartite evolutionary game

Abstract

Public institutions, as key entities fulfilling public service functions, are characterized by their substantial scale, high energy intensity, and significant demonstration role in society. Improving their energy efficiency is therefore pivotal for achieving national decarbonization targets. This study addresses the gaps in current energy efficiency evaluation systems and the lack of coordination among stakeholders by proposing a novel framework combining CRITIC-based weighting with a tripartite evolutionary game model. The evaluation system encompasses four dimensions: energy consumption, technological innovation, operational management, and contextual factors. The CRITIC method is applied to determine indicator weights, and a tripartite evolutionary game model involving the government, integrated energy service providers (IESPs), and public institutions is constructed to explore strategy evolution and equilibrium under a Carbon Inclusion mechanism. A case study of a university in Fujian Province is used to assess seven retrofit options. Results show that technological innovation indicators hold the highest weight (0.258), highlighting the importance of low-carbon technologies. The comprehensive retrofit plan yields the best results, reducing net present cost by 18.4%, annual carbon emissions by 25.2%, and electricity consumption by 34.4%. The game analysis reveals that government subsidies accelerate strategy evolution in the early stages but can be phased out over time. IESPs should implement dynamic carbon pricing and adaptive incentives. Overall, this study provides a systematic theoretical framework and practical path for improving energy efficiency in public institutions.