The cost effectiveness of CO₂ emission reduction achieved by energy conservation

Abstract

The potential for improving energy efficiency in the Netherlands up to the year 2000 is discussed with the help of a database containing 300 energy conservation techniques. Investigations show that technically it is feasible to reduce emissions by 41% by applying all the energy conservation techniques. The policy of the Dutch government is directed to increase energy efficiency between 1990 and 2000 by about 20%. From our study we conclude that this figure is feasible and can be reached by applying energy conservation techniques with net negative CO2 emission reduction costs. However, we also conclude that stronger incentives for energy conservation are probably required than applied at present.