Efficient energy use

Common energy efficiency label on appliances to indicate their energy efficiency in a clear manner.

Efficient energy use, or energy efficiency, is the process of reducing the amount of energy required to provide products and services. There are many technologies and methods available that are more energy efficient than conventional systems. For example, insulating a building allows it to use less heating and cooling energy while still maintaining a comfortable temperature. Another method is to remove energy subsidies that promote high energy consumption and inefficient energy use.[1] Improved energy efficiency in buildings, industrial processes and transportation could reduce the world's energy needs in 2050 by one third.[2]

There are two main motivations to improve energy efficiency. Firstly, one motivation is to achieve cost savings during the operation of the appliance or process. However, installing an energy-efficient technology comes with an upfront cost, the capital cost. The different types of costs can be analyzed and compared with a life-cycle assessment. Another motivation for energy efficiency is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and hence work towards climate action. A focus on energy efficiency can also have a national security benefit because it can reduce the amount of energy that has to be imported from other countries.

Energy efficiency and renewable energy go hand in hand for sustainable energy policies.[3] They are high priority actions in the energy hierarchy.

  1. ^ Indra Overland (2010). "Subsidies for Fossil Fuels and Climate Change: A Comparative Perspective". International Journal of Environmental Studies. 67 (3): 203–217. Bibcode:2010IJEnS..67..303O. doi:10.1080/00207233.2010.492143. S2CID 98618399. Archived from the original on 2018-02-12. Retrieved 2018-05-16.
  2. ^ "The value of urgent action on energy efficiency – Analysis". IEA. Retrieved 2022-11-23.
  3. ^ Prindle, Bill; Eldridge, Maggie; Eckhardt, Mike; Frederick, Alyssa (May 2007). The twin pillars of sustainable energy: synergies between energy efficiency and renewable energy technology and policy. Washington, DC, US: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. CiteSeerX 10.1.1.545.4606.