ECONOMIC CONDITIONS FOR SMART BUILDINGS IMPLEMENTATION IN REGIONS WITH LOW ENERGY TARIFFS: THE CHUVASH REPUBLIC CASE

The article addresses the topical problem of providing an economic justification for the implementation of smart building technologies in regions of the Russian Federation with low energy tariffs. Using a multi-apartment residential building in the city of Cheboksary with a total floor area of 6,850 m2 as a case study, a comparative techno-economic assessment of baseline and modernised design solutions is carried out. The modernised solution includes enhanced thermal insulation of building envelopes, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, weather-compensated control of the heating system, intelligent lighting with occupancy sensors, and an integrated Building Management System (BMS) based on the BACnet protocol. Calculation of performance indicators - NPV, IRR and discounted payback period - at the current tariffs of the Chuvash Republic (electricity 4.41-4.96 RUB/kWh, heat 2,000 RUB/Gcal) shows a negative net present value (-28.4 million RUB over 25 years at a discount rate of 10%). A gap is identified between the theoretical energy saving potential (-44%) and the achievable effect (-28%) due to overlapping measures and behavioural factors. Threshold conditions for achieving economic efficiency are determined: a 30-40% reduction in equipment costs, outpacing growth of energy tariffs, and state subsidisation of 40-60% of capital expenditures. The scientific novelty lies in the development of a methodology for assessing the effectiveness of smart building projects adapted to regional tariff conditions.