Local learning-networks on energy efficiency in industry – Successful initiative in Germany
TL;DR: In this paper, a learning network of companies has been established to motivate management to pay more attention to energy efficiency in Switzerland and Germany, where the main elements of the activities include initial consultation for each company with an experienced engineer, agreement on a common target for energy-efficiency improvement, regular meetings with technical presentations and an exchange of experiences, yearly control of energy consumption and CO2 emissions as well as scientific monitoring and evaluation of the process.
About: This article is published in Applied Energy.The article was published on 2007-07-01. It has received 58 citations till now. The article focuses on the topics: Environmental impact of the energy industry & Energy consumption.
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01 Oct 2012
TL;DR: The Global Energy Assessment (GEA) as mentioned in this paper brings together over 300 international researchers to provide an independent, scientifically based, integrated and policy-relevant analysis of current and emerging energy issues and options.
Abstract: The Global Energy Assessment (GEA) brings together over 300 international researchers to provide an independent, scientifically based, integrated and policy-relevant analysis of current and emerging energy issues and options. It has been peer-reviewed anonymously by an additional 200 international experts. The GEA assesses the major global challenges for sustainable development and their linkages to energy; the technologies and resources available for providing energy services; future energy systems that address the major challenges; and the policies and other measures that are needed to realize transformational change toward sustainable energy futures. The GEA goes beyond existing studies on energy issues by presenting a comprehensive and integrated analysis of energy chalenges, opportunities and strategies, for developing, industrialized and emerging economies. This volume is a invaluable resource for energy specialists and technologists in all sectors (academia, industry and government) as well as policymakers, development economists and practitioners in international organizations and national governments.
812 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a global analysis of the potential energy savings which could be found in electric motor-driven system (EMDS) is presented, and a comprehensive package of policy recommendations to help governments achieve these significant energy savings in EMDS is proposed.
Abstract: This paper is the first global analysis of the potential energy savings which could be found in electric motor- driven system (EMDS). EMDS currently accounts for more than 40% of global electricity consumption. Huge untapped energy efficiency potential was found in EMDS; around 25 % of EMDS electricity use could be saved cost-effectively, which would reduce total global electricity demand by about 10%. To date, energy efficiency opportunities with EMDS have been relatively neglected in comparison with other sustainable energy opportunities. It is crucial to scale up operations and resources committed to realizing the vast potential energy savings and this paper proposes a comprehensive package of policy recommendations to help governments achieve these significant energy savings in EMDS.
435 citations
Cites background from "Local learning-networks on energy e..."
...Energy‐efficiency learning networks of medium‐size companies at local or regional levels (called “energy models” in Switzerland) allow participants to exchange knowledge and experience on all issues of energy efficiency and energy substitution, not just in electric motor solutions (Jochem and Gruber, 2007)....
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors empirically investigated factors driving the adoption of energy-efficiency measures by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based on cross-sectional data from SMEs which participated in a German energy audit program between 2008 and 2010.
191 citations
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the factors driving the adoption of energy-efficiency measures by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and find that high investment costs, which are captured by subjective and objective proxies, appear to impede the adoption energy-efficient measures, even if these measures are deemed profitable.
Abstract: This paper empirically investigates the factors driving the adoption of energy-efficiency measures by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Our analyses are based on cross-sectional data from SMEs which participated in a German energy audit program between 2008 and 2010. In general, our findings appear robust to alternative model specifications and are consistent with the theoretical and still scarce empirical literature on barriers to energy efficiency in SMEs. More specifically, high investment costs, which are captured by subjective and objective proxies, appear to impede the adoption of energy-efficient measures, even if these measures are deemed profitable. Similarly, we find that lack of capital slows the adoption of energy-efficient measures, primarily for larger investments. Hence, investment subsidies or soft loans (for larger invest-ments) may help accelerating the diffusion of energy-efficiency measures in SMEs. Other barriers were not found to be statistically significant. Finally, our findings provide evidence that the quality of energy audits affects the adoption of energy-efficiency measures. Hence, effective regulation should involve quality standards for energy au-dits, templates for audit reports or mandatory monitoring of energy audits.
181 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present an empirical investigation of 71 Italian manufacturing SMEs through a multiple case-study approach, focusing on the most effective means to promote the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and practices.
176 citations
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487 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the efficiency paradox in the US Environmental Protection Agency's voluntary pollution prevention programs and find that substantial gains in energy efficiency can be achieved without sacrificing profitability.
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify the factors that determine the investment behavior of firms, their attitude towards various types of energy policy, and their responsiveness to changes in environmental policy in the Netherlands.
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TL;DR: In this paper, a set of hypotheses concerning the co-evolution of "political systems" and "innovation systems" in Europe are discussed. But the authors focus on the future governance of innovation policies, trying to pave the way for empirical analyses.
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on the empirical basis for skepticism about the effectiveness of the market mechanism in yielding cost-effective energy efficiency improvements, and present a series of examples that provide evidence for market failures related to energy efficiency.
Abstract: The primary objective in this paper is to focus attention on the empirical basis for skepticism about the effectiveness of the market mechanism in yielding cost-effective energy efficiency improvements. The authors present a series of examples that provide evidence for market failures related to energy efficiency. The discuss the role of energy efficiency policies such as standards, utility demand-side management programs, and other government programs that have been used to overcome these market failures. If they are carefully designed and successfully implemented, such energy efficiency policies can contribute to the reduction of the energy efficiency gap. The authors believe that energy efficiency policies aimed at improving energy efficiency at a lower cost than society currently pays for energy services represent good public policy. Programs that lead to increased economic efficiency as well as energy efficiency should continue to be pursued.
126 citations