| Improved use of energy is an issue in virtually all sectors of an economy, with large savings to be made in the power, industrial, municipal and domestic sectors. Efficiency in the transport sector, especially public transport systems, is also a key issue. The implementation of energy-saving techniques may require initial investment, but short-term financial returns can often be achieved through reduced fuel use and costs. |
By improving the efficiency with which a fuel is used to generate power, reductions can be made in fuel use, and thus emissions. Use of new technologies in the power generation sector can create significant efficiency gains. Supply-side efficiency gains can also be achieved through improved transmission and distribution systems, updated district heating networks, distributed generation, and co-generation.
Consumers in the industrial, municipal, and domestic sectors can all improve the efficiency with which they use supplied energy, often with sizeable gains. Energy auditing of industries and businesses (often by specialized Energy Service Companies, or ESCOs) can highlight many cost-effective ways to improve efficiency with only a short-term investment. In some cases, improved "housekeeping" can lead to higher efficiency AND savings. The energy consumption of buildings in both the municipal and domestic sectors can be improved with insulation, weatherization, more efficient appliances, energy-saving lighting and other measures, as well as through new building codes. The importance of information campaigns in the success of such initiatives is key, particularly for the domestic housing sector.
Efficiency in the transport sector and environmental benefits can be gained through policy options such as air quality standards, vehicle emission limits (with a vehicle inspection & maintenance program for enforcement), efficient public transport systems, technology improvements in vehicles, and through improved or alternative fuels. Please also see our topic on Transport.
|
