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Abstract Whilst a plethora of literature has viewed technological progress as one of the critical influencing factors in relation to energy consumption and CO 2 emissions, little effort has been made to identify the sectoral differences in the relationship between technological progress and CO 2 emissions. Thereby, this paper remedies the inadequacies in the extant literature by empirically investigating the impact of technological progress on CO 2 emissions, specifically taking into account its heterogeneous effect in various economic sectors. This paper first decomposes the effect of technological progress as taking place in heavy industry, in light industry, in construction industry, and in service industry. A panel quantile regression approach and a balanced city panel data model are then applied, covering the period 2001–2013 in China. The empirical results show that technological progress in heavy industry and light industry surprisingly facilitates a higher level of CO 2 emissions, despite its prominent contribution to energy efficiency improvement. Meanwhile, as distinct from the effect it shows in the heavy and light industries, technological progress in construction and service industries exerts a negative effect on CO 2 emissions. Additionally, this paper further discovers that the strength of the multiple impacts of technological progress also varies with the level of emitters. By studying the heterogeneous effect brought about by technological progress in different economic sectors and emitters, this paper provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between CO 2 emissions and technological progress. Highlights • The study considers the sectoral and scale heterogeneity of technological progress in relation to CO 2 emissions. • We apply a panel quantile regression approach to balanced city-level panel data. • Technological progress within different economic sectors exerts different effects on CO 2 emissions. • The role of technological progress in moderating energy intensity varies across emitters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Along with the changing concerns over energy security in the last decades, it is important to investigate the perception of different segments of society in order to understand how they view the challenges and opportunities in contemporary energy issues. Being one of the most dynamic energy economies globally, Turkey is continuously increasing both its electricity generation and consumption. Since the industrial sector accounts for higher ratios in this growth, this article explores the perception and awareness within Turkish industrial companies related to energy security, Turkish energy policy, and compatibility of corporate strategy with governmental energy and industrial policies. The study is based on the exploration of nine suppositions relating to the following issues: importance of energy costs in supply chain management, energy efficiency priority, effectiveness of legal infrastructure for energy efficiency, import dependency awareness, renewable energy awareness, the compatibility of energy strategy, climate change awareness, the level of Kyoto Protocol awareness, and compatibility between firm-specific targets and strategy papers. The study tests these suppositions with a survey based on the existing academic literature and three strategy documents related to industrial and energy policies, namely papers on Energy Efficiency Strategy, Turkish Industrial Strategy, and Electricity Energy Market and Security of Supply Strategy. These papers provide the research background and give insight for each of the suppositions. A survey was distributed to the top 500 Turkish industrial companies listed in ISO500. The results show that six suppositions are supported, one is unsupported, and two is neither supported nor unsupported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an overview of the Kuwaiti energy sector characteristics is presented to include its generating capacity as well as its end-use consumption over the last two decades. Moreover, a detailed analysis of the total and end-use energy consumption attributed to various building types is provided. The paper presents the specific regulations of the building energy conservation code of practice using its original version of 1983 and its revised version of 2010. The code enforcement mechanism is also outlined. Based on a detailed review of the reported literature, the potential energy savings opportunities and their cost-effectiveness for Kuwaiti buildings are discussed. Using a comprehensive review for reported analyses, the paper summarizes the economical and environmental benefits of improving energy efficiency for both new and retrofitted buildings in Kuwait. It is found that the 2010 revised version of the energy conservation code of practice can provide an additional 23% savings compared to the original version of the code developed and implemented in 1983. The implementation of an energy efficiency program to achieve the energy savings level set by 2010 energy conservation code of practice can achieve. It is found that without a gradual reduction of energy subsidies, the establishment of a mandatory energy efficiency retrofit program in Kuwaiti through implementation of basic energy efficiency measures and improved operating strategies for the existing building stock can provide significant economical and environmental benefits to Kuwait as well as the creation of significant job opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The threat of increased global warming resulting from the use of fossil fuels stresses decision-makers to formulate and adopt policies towards different sectors of the economy. In light of the great earthquake in Japan 2011, energy efficiency also plays an important role in meeting the challenge of power supply shortage. Energy policies towards industry are of particular importance as a major part of the energy in the economy is used in industrial production. The number of papers investigating and presenting experience from energy end-use policies are scarce. Furthermore, for those present, they often only include a very brief analysis. From a public point of view, evaluations of energy programs are of major importance to measure the performance of the programs. From an energy policy designer point of view, it is of major importance to not only see the cost-effectiveness of the policy but also to understand the fundamental mechanisms for the success or failure of an industrial energy program, in order to learn how to improve future programs. The aim of this paper is to present a review of energy end-use policy instrument in Japan and Sweden towards the industrial sector from 1990 to 2014, with special emphasis on industrial SMEs. From the results presented some general conclusions can be made, (1) results show that the cost-effectiveness differs substantially between the evaluated programs, and (2) that from a governmental point of view, subsidies towards energy audit programs seem like the most cost-effective policy. In addition to this (3) the results from the review also stress the importance of a clear strategy for every energy program on how the program is going to be evaluated, ex-ante or ex-post, and how the performance of the program is to be measured. This structure should be included from the start of the program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demographic change, dramatic population increase and rapid industrial growth are major trends emerging in Malaysia. Climate change and depletion of fossil fuel along with the rise in petroleum prices have forced the Malaysian Government to rethink strategies to be more in line with other developed countries including the decision to embark on renewable energy (RE) resources as a better source of energy amongst the global energy mix. The Malaysian Government is making frantic efforts to make policies, RE programmes and incentives more effective so as to promote and develop the use of RE. Malaysia is rich with fossil fuel but these are fast depleting. Although RE is necessary, current RE resources are still not enough. Therefore, exploration into other resources must be considered in order to meet future energy demands. The objective of this paper is to identify the potential of available renewable energy resources in Malaysia as well as the country׳s current implementation strategies. This paper also discusses the different RE policies in Malaysia. In order to determine the potential of RE, various sources and published materials in conferences, international journals and information released by relevant government bodies and miscellaneous resources are used. This research has revealed that among all the renewable energy sources that are present in Malaysia, biomass and solar energy are the most prospective ones. Plus, renewable energy (RE) sources are quite advantageous as they are free from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and related global warming effects. They can also be applied in off-grid electricity generation for rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China faced the greatest challenge in balancing its economic growth, energy and resource security as well as environmental pollution. The energy-intensive industries, which used to be the major force driving China׳s economic growth, had seriously exhausted the countries׳ natural resources and energy, and at the same time polluted the environment because of the severe surplus of low-efficiency production capacities. As a result, the Chinese government had initiated multiple economic and administrative policies to eliminate these low-efficiency production capacities intended to improve the energy efficiency of energy-intensive industries. These policies are summarized in this paper, along with export tax rebating rate, resource tax, administrative audit and approvals, differential electric power pricing and shutting down the low-efficiency production capacities. The paper also evaluates the effects of these policies by analyzing several key indicators about the energy-intensive industries, including fixed asset investment growth rate, energy-intensity of industrial added-value, waste gas emission-intensity of industrial added-value. The VALDEX methodology is selected to examine the improving trends of energy-efficiency for energy-intensive industries. The analyzing results show that firstly the development of low-efficiency capacities tends to be more sensitive to the policies, so the policies that China had enacted really exert very important effects on improving the energy-efficiency of energy-intensive industries. However, the effects of economic policies seem more faster and obvious than the fiscal policies. Besides, the results also show that polices which are designed to reserve energy may not necessarily exert the same effects on reducing emissions. There is still large room for improving the energy efficiency of energy-intensive industries, substantial improvement still needs to be done for current policies’ system. Some suggestions for future work are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: India is facing acute energy shortage that is likely to affect its economic development. There are severe supply side constraints in term of coal and gas shortages that are likely to continue in the near future. Hence, in its current focus to solving the energy shortage problem and sustaining the development trajectory, the country should aim at a balance between supply side and demand side measures. Energy Efficiency in end use is increasingly gaining importance as one of the most cost effective options for achieving short to medium term energy savings. India has initiated the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency under National Action Plan for Climate Change which addresses various aspects of energy efficiency such as technology, financing, fiscal incentive and also creation of energy efficiency as a market instrument. However, even though energy efficiency has substantial scope in the Indian subcontinent, the market for energy efficiency has been limited. This paper discusses the concept of mega Demand Side Management projects as a DSM Power Plant. A DSM Power Plant acts as an umbrella with multiple energy efficiency schemes under its ambit aimed at transforming energy efficiency into a business by providing a push to the scale of operation as well as financial sustenance to energy efficiency projects. This paper expounds on the various aspects of DSM Power Plant in terms of its policy and institutional mechanism for the large scale implementation of energy efficiency in India. This paper provides an illustration of the concept of DSM Power Plant model through a case study in one of the states (Rajasthan) of India. Further, a comparative analysis of the cost of generation from DSM Power Plant and a representative conventional power plant (CPP) in Rajasthan has been undertaken and the DSM Power Plant comes out to be a more cost effective option. The concept of DSM Power Plant will not only address the issue of energy shortages but will also help the financially thwarted utilities to reduce their revenue deficit in the near future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The goal of this paper is to estimate the perspectives of the Baltic States: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania on meeting the new European Union climate commitments, i.e., to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% to the year 2020 in comparison with 1990. This ambitious target could be reached based on other EU climate and energy package commitments: increase of the share of renewables and improvement of energy efficiency as tools for fulfilling the GHG emissions reduction target. The paper gives an overview on the current situation and future plans of the Baltic States in the field of energy efficiency, consumption of renewables and reduction of GHG emissions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Local authorities are key actors for implementing innovative energy efficiency technologies (retrofitting) to reduce end-use energy demand and consequently reduce negative effects of high energy use such as climate change and public budget deficits. This paper reports the results of a large-scale survey of German municipalities by assessing drivers and barriers for deploying LED street lighting as an example of innovative retrofits. The results indicate that competencies and capacities, transparency of the underlying technology base, and a clear proposition of savings are crucial drivers for municipal retrofitting engagement. Most significant barriers include lack of experience, the tendency to wait for future improvements of innovative energy efficiency technologies, and existing contracts with energy suppliers, manufacturers, or other conventional retrofitting contractors. Investments in municipal competency building (both regarding technologies and procurement) as well as diffusing standard tendering criteria and (public) monitoring of their effectiveness are highly recommended to accelerate the municipal modernization process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a low-carbon and sustainable future, smart grids have a key role to play not only in saving energy with demand and supply-side management of energy systems, but also in optimizing the integration of a wider range of generation and storage options including renewable energy sources. Moreover, some challenges can follow the transition from a traditional grid into a smart grid. In this context, “public attitude” and “public acceptance” are major components to make more radical scenarios about the feasible implementation of smart grid technologies and successful integration of renewable energy sources. This paper presents unique survey results of public attitudes towards smart grids, smart meters, renewable energy and environment in Qatar using a representative panel from Qatar University community. It contributes to the literature by providing a better understanding of electricity consumers’ perception and behavior about the possible deployment of smart grid applications. It also aims to create data about public attitudes to inform policy makers, the business community and other stakeholders for decision-making by introducing institutional and regulatory changes, and modifying the relationship between consumers, the government and utilities. The main conclusions can be used as a basis for sustainable energy planning, and awareness campaigns formulation in order to enhance public acceptance regarding renewable energy projects and smart grid technologies. However, the results are a first attempt to elicit public views and will need to be extended to the larger community in Qatar and repeated at regular basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key factor hampering the delivery of high energy performance renovations in buildings is the under-qualification of the construction sector's workforce with regard to energy efficiency and renewable energy sources systems. Towards this direction, this paper proposes an integrated methodological framework, determining measures for the case of Greece, which are delivered in the form of a national qualification roadmap. These measures aim to enhance the qualifications of the blue collar workers and generally empower the Greek construction sector. They also facilitate the adherence of Greece to the European Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources Directives and support the attainment of the national energy objectives for 2020. The methodological framework is initiated with the analysis of the status quo of the Greek building sector and the skills and qualifications gap of the workforce, as well as the identification of the corresponding barriers that impede growth. Subsequently, a number of diverse measures are proposed and evaluated, using a synergy of decision analysis and evaluation methods. The measures that are assessed as of high priority are afterwards specified to concrete actions. Throughout the whole modular procedure, multiple relevant national bodies were actively engaged via transparent consultation procedures and multilateral discussions. Finally, 44 acknowledged organisations declared their endorsement to the roadmap by signing an official letter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the alternatives to reduce building energy consumption recognized and used internationally is establishing standards for the evaluation and classification of buildings in terms of energy performance. In developed countries, the introduction of energy efficiency codes for residential and non-residential buildings started around the time of the first oil crisis in the mid-70s. Ten years later, Brazil has started implemented measures aimed at the conservation and rational use of energy. Initiatives in this regard began with the implementation of the Brazilian Labeling Program, where consumers are provided with information on the energy efficiency of appliances. However, the first energy efficiency law stimulated the most notable improvement in energy efficiency in 2001 after national energy crisis. As a result, the Regulation for Energy Efficiency Labeling of Commercial, Service and Public Buildings (RTQ-C) was released in February 2009 and the Regulation for Energy Efficiency Labeling of Residential Buildings (RTQ-R) was released in November 2010. Nowadays, the labeling of residential, commercial and service buildings is voluntary and the labeling of federal public buildings is mandatory since 2014. This paper presents a review of the building energy efficiency codes and labeling schemes all over the world, an overview of the Brazilian regulations on energy efficiency and discusses the labeling scheme for residential buildings adopted in Brazil. The process of its implementation, strengths and weaknesses in the present labeling scheme and the similarities and differences in relation to international experiences are described. The results obtained to date indicate that a revision is required in order to achieve a more flexible and economically viable process that will enable the program to be established as compulsory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The building stock in the world consumes approximately 40% of the energy and emits one third of the total greenhouse gases emissions (GHG). Improving the energy efficiency in buildings is vital to address the climate change and achieve energy independence (i.e. to become net-zero energy). Improving energy performance in existing buildings has been receiving significant attention recently, which entails reducing energy demand for building operations, without affecting the health and comfort of its occupants. This approach requires strategies beyond mere technical advancements. However, there is limited published literature which has comprehensively addressed these issues. The aim of this paper is to critically review existing body-of-the-knowledge on improving energy efficiency of operating both commercial and institutional buildings. Peer-reviewed journal articles published from year 2000 to 2014 in reputed journals were reviewed. This review investigated contemporary energy efficiency approaches including technical, organizational, and behavioural changes. Based on the comprehensive literature review, a strategy map was developed as a pathway for achieving better building energy performance. It was noted that even though the existing studies predominately focused on technical advancements, approaches such as building behavioural changes have been largely overlooked. Findings of this study provide an important basis for setting up a national and organization wide strategy for improving the energy efficiency of commercial and institutional buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy efficiency improvement is one of the most important targets to be achieved on every society as a whole and in power system in particular. This target could bring renewable energy resources technologies closer to the ‘Smart Energy Communities’; that would allow the active participation of the so-called ׳prosumers׳ in a genuinely open market. Accordingly, there is a need to develop strategies to motivate and involve citizens in the future electricity system. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have an important role to play in reducing the energy intensity and therefore increasing the energy efficiency of the economy, contributing to sustainable growth. The emphasis of the smart grid in social media through mobile apps could give utilities a collection of new instruments to improve their customer engagement. To preserve long-term customer fidelity, utilities should transform themselves from energy suppliers to energy service advisor. Utilities can draw useful lessons from most valuable brands on how to expand their digital customer experience initiatives. Therefore, this paper discusses and offers guidance for utilities in creating a social roadmap for the smart grid, emphasizing prosumer role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate forecasting of energy consumption in a building is an important strategy in achieving the goal of reducing energy demand, as well as to improve energy efficiency. To implement this strategy, many methods and indicators have been proposed to monitor and measure energy performance in buildings. However, various factors that influence energy consumption of a building system operation, such as the types of activities carried out in the building, weather conditions, building materials, HVAC system and occupancy; contribute to the difficulty in accurately measuring a building׳s energy system. This paper provides a review on the Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) as an indicator used to track the performance of energy consumption in a building. Previous research works concerning this index and relevant mathematical models are also introduced. Other related methods or indicators for measuring energy consumption performance of buildings will also be presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrical grid in most of the developing countries has inefficiencies in different areas such as transmission and distribution, power quality, grid reliability and system protection. These inadequacies in grid operations and asset protection, along with revenue leakage constitute an overall troubled energy profile. The fixes usually proposed in this regard are directed at reducing distribution network losses and improving residential and commercial demand side management. Lessons from the residential and commercial implementation of smart meters can be extended to industrial consumers to help relieve grid congestion and achieve better efficiency goals. This paper reviews smart meter technology and applications across residential, commercial and industrial sectors. We point out the areas for power quality and energy efficiency improvement within industries and propose ways for achieving them through smart meters, specifically in the context of Pakistan. We have incorporated empirical evidence from experimental setup at our university grid as proof of concept. We have also elaborated on the implementation methodology to avoid the possible pitfalls in the proposed solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy is the foundation that supports and spurs the socio-economic development of a country. It is a fact that development is not possible without energy and sustainable development is not possible without sustainable energy. As a country that is aiming to become a high-income nation by 2020, Malaysia is in a quandary to come up with a plan for energy security to ensure sustainable economic development, while at a same time striking a balance in the electricity demand-and-supply chain. This paper studies and estimates how these two areas that are often overlooked; energy efficiency and renewable energy can seriously contribute to the local energy sector and find the equilibrium in the electricity demand and supply, and eventually gauge whether a nuclear power plant or more fossil-fuelled power plant is necessary in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the projects aiming the use of renewable energy sources (RES) in Romania, taking into account both the convertible energy potential of this country, as well as the requirements for meeting European Union sustainable energy development targets by 2020. We analyze the current state of renewable energy production facilities in Romania, in correlation with the data collected from 89 energy projects financed through the Operational Sectoral Program Increase of Economic Competitiveness since 2007 until 2013, more than a half of them aiming the development of new RES energy facilities. We also analyze the data quantifying the efficiency of specific investments in renewable energy, in comparison with EU average statistical data and provide some concluding remarks about the difficulties faced by investors during project implementation, given the particularities of the country related with this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The interest in the promotion of energy efficiency by utilities at the demand-side started in the seventies caused by the high prices of oil and suffered a drastic set back during the restructuring of the electricity sector. However, growing awareness on the positive effects of energy efficiency on the economy and on the environment, led many countries/jurisdictions to impose utilities’ engagement in the promotion of energy efficiency. In other countries/jurisdictions utilities encourage their customers to improve energy efficiency, on a non-mandatory basis. In this paper, the non-mandatory involvement of electric utilities in the promotion of energy efficiency at the demand-side is addressed. Some world-wide examples are given, detailing the Portuguese experience. Although this participation is important, it seems that countries/jurisdictions with regulatory impositions obtain more satisfying results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Geothermal energy is becoming an attractive option for supplying the world with clean and sustainable energy. One of the highlighted issues in utilising the energy from geothermal systems is removal of non-condensable gases (NCGs) from geothermal waters. This paper discusses and reviews existing technologies for removing NCG with emphasis on their energy requirements further the possibility is investigated of using two-phase ejectors (also known as eductors) to remove NCGs from geothermal waters. Energy analysis of isothermal and adiabatic vacuum processes for removing non-condensable gases by an ideal vacuum machine are presented and later compared with the measured performance and with the energy consumption of commercial vacuum pumps and eductors. Advantages of removal of NCG using a passive method employing eductors and the prospect of improving the efficiency of these devices are also presented. Based on the experimental data, it is shown that eductors offer a sustainable alternative for NCGs removal from geothermal waters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Industrialization, development and social transformation has brought together issues of over exploitation of limited energy resource base (e.g. fossil fuel), accelerated threats of energy insecurity, and liberation of greenhouse gas emissions across the continents. The global challenge for the 21st century and way ahead is to find other means of satisfying energy needs, diversifying the energy supply, up-scaling the make-up of renewable energy to a greater extent, optimization of energy consumption and supply system. Denmark has been continuously moving towards optimization of energy production, usage and its overall management, during and even after the first global oil crisis. The country has been delivering its priority in the development of renewable energy and standing the country an energy self sufficient from last three decades. Country''s overall consumption of energy has decreased than that of the decades of 1980 and 1990s, with wider range of energy mix and saving options. The Danish government has strategized to make the country fossil fuel free by 2050, where special attention and interventions is required to boost up its development of renewable energy in the country. The past efforts of the Danish government in the energy development has helped not only making the country ‘energy self sufficient’, but also lowering the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Danish energy policy and strategies have been found more conducive and reflective of the joint EU priorities on the matter of dealing with climate change and energy security. All the past progress and its allied policies seem to be quite supportive in fulfilling its strategies for greener future. This review paper will discuss on the past efforts of Danish government in energy management and highlights on some political initiatives, which have been realised to support the country moving towards clean and green energy future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Community housing in Australia provides a range of rental options to low-to-moderate income tenants ranging from short-term crisis accommodation to long-term housing. Most community housing providers rely on rental income as their major source of recurrent funding and the rents are often set to a low percentage of the tenants’ income. Therefore, these not-for-profit organizations have to operate within very stringent budgets. Tenants in community housing may also have special needs. Their energy consumption are relatively high, as they spend long hours in their homes. They are therefore particularly vulnerable to increasing energy prices, and in need of the most assistance in reducing these living costs. This paper researches the status of energy use and the needs of the community housing to reduce the energy and water consumption. There appear to be ample opportunities for water and energy efficiency improvement in community housing, e.g. insulation, more energy efficient hot water systems, etc. However, the organizations lack of time, knowledge, fund and expertise to improve energy efficiency makes it hard and thus create a room for the Government to take initiates to reduce carbon from this sector. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The road transport and particularly the passenger cars are responsible for increasing the share of transport energy consumption and harmful emissions level growth. The fuel economy label is an informative tool to influence customers and manufacturers to put special care to the energy efficiency issue. The implementation of fuel economy label for motor vehicles in Malaysia will prevent the up going trend of petroleum consumption which will be beneficial to consumer and society. As a consequence, the harmful greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are the main causes of the global warming and air pollution will be reduced. Studies in developed countries show that implementing the fuel economy label is beneficial for society, government and the environment. This paper focused on a review of international experiences on fuel economy label. It also attempts to discuss about the energy savings possibilities that lead to reduce GHG emissions by implementing the program. The last but not least recommendation is the fact that the sooner the fuel economy label applies for the passenger cars in Malaysia will be more beneficial for the country. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]