IS ENERGY EFFICIENCY ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY?

Author: Herring H.

Source: Energy & Environment, Volume 11, Number 3, 1 May 2000 , pp. 313-325(13)

Publisher: Multi-Science Publishing Co Ltd

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content

Abstract:

This paper challenges the view that improving the efficiency of energy use will lead to a reduction in national energy consumption, and hence is an effective policy for reducing CO2 emissions. It argues that improving energy efficiency lowers the implicit price of energy and hence make its use more affordable, thus leading to greater use. The paper presents the views of economists, as well as green critics of 'efficiency' and the 'dematerialization' thesis. The paper argues that a more effective CO2 policy is to concentrate on shifting to non-fossil fuel fuels, like renewables, subsidized through a carbon tax. Ultimately what is needed, to limit energy consumption, is energy conservation not energy efficiency.

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$18.00 plus tax      Refund Policy

 

OR

Back to top

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content
Share this item with others: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
Page Help Click here for Page Help
Shopping cart
Tools
Sign in






Need to register?
Sign up here
Text size: A | A | A | A