Showing papers on "Rebound effect (conservation) published in 1999"

Fuel Economy Rebound Effect for U.S. Household Vehicles

Abstract: This paper presents an econometric estimation of the rebound effect for household vehicle travel in the US based on analysis of survey data collected by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) at approximately three-year intervals over a 15-year period. The rebound effect measures the tendency to take back potential energy savings from fuel economy improvements as increased travel. Vehicle use models were estimated for one-, two-, three-, four-, and five-vehicle households. The results confirm recent estimates based on national or state-level data: a long-run take back of about 20% of potential energy savings. Consumer responses to changes in fuel economy or fuel price per gallon appear to be equal and opposite in sign. Recognizing the interdependencies among miles of travel, fuel economy and price is key to obtaining meaningful results.

Energy-economy linking in MARKAL-MACRO: interplay of nuclear, conservation and CO2 policies in Sweden

Abstract: The interface between the energy system and the macroeconomy and the use of linked energy-economy models are studied. Linked systems-engineering and macroeconomic models (such as MARKAL-MACRO) are found to fill an important niche for national and regional energy systems analyses. The Reference Energy System is used to distinguish new analytical abilities with this type of energy-economy model. The properties of three descriptors used to model the interface are examined. The model is applied to three important policy issues in the Swedish energy system restrictions of CO2 emissions, phasing out of nuclear power, and the availability of energy conservation. The main findings are: simultaneously restricting CO2 emissions and phasing out nuclear power is very costly; the major part of the CO2 reduction is accomplished by technological changes within the energy system; and the rebound effect of energy efficiency measures is larger with CO2 restrictions than without.

An Econometric Analysis of the Elasticity of Vehicle Travel with Respect to Fuel Cost per Mile Using RTEC Survey Data

Abstract: This paper presents the results of econometric estimation of the ''rebound effect'' for household vehicle travel in the United States based on a comprehensive analysis of survey data collected by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) at approximately three-year intervals over a 15-year period. The rebound effect is defined as the percent change in vehicle travel for a percent change in fuel economy. It summarizes the tendency to ''take back'' potential energy savings due to fuel economy improvements in the form of increased vehicle travel. Separate vehicles use models were estimated for one-, two-, three-, four-, and five-vehicle households. The results are consistent with the consensus of recently published estimates based on national or state-level data, which show a long-run rebound effect of about +0.2 (a ten percent increase in fuel economy, all else equal, would produce roughly a two percent increase in vehicle travel and an eight percent reduction in fuel use). The hypothesis that vehicle travel responds equally to changes in fuel cost-per-mile whether caused by changes in fuel economy or fuel price per gallon could not be rejected. Recognizing the interdependency in survey data among miles of travel, fuel economy and price paid for fuel for a particular vehicle turns out to be crucial to obtaining meaningful results.

Comparing Transportation Emission Reduction Strategies

Abstract: This paper examines how the evaluation of transportation emission reduction strategies changes as an analysis becomes more comprehensive. Four categories of transportation emission reduction strategies are considered. Increasing vehicle fuel efficiency leads to increased vehicle travel (a rebound effect) which exacerbates many other transport problems. Alternative fuel vehicles provide mixed costs and benefits. Revenue-neutral tax shifts can reduce total vehicle travel, reducing most transport problems, and can provide significant economic development benefits by reducing more burdensome taxes. Transportation demand management strategies can cause the greatest range of benefits. Several “Win-Win” no regrets strategies are identified, which are justified for their economic and social benefits while also providing significant environmental benefits. Most also increase equity. Although their individual impacts may be modest, a package of Win-Win strategies could meet emission reduction targets and solve many of our current transport problems.