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Energy demand around the world is increasing rapidly, and with it are the numerous problems related to the production, supply and use of energy: rising energy costs, reduced energy security and energy access, and growing environmental problems.
There are various options for limiting energy demand and its associated problems: increasing energy efficiency in end-use sectors, more efficient use of materials (including recycling), changing the structure of the economy towards less energy-intensive sectors, a different approach to infrastructure and physical planning (primarily re transport and energy networks) and changes in corporate and consumer behaviour.
Improving energy efficiency is one of the key options to achieve greater sustainability in the global energy system. According to the International Energy Agency and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, enhanced energy efficiency is also the most important way to tackle the threat of climate change. Using less energy and carbon-intensive materials, either by substituting materials, increasing material efficiency or recycling, can further reduce energy consumption. Examples of non-technical options to reduce energy demand include increased use of car pooling and modal shifts in transport, not leaving appliances on standby and moderating temperature settings in heating and cooling systems in buildings.
Reducing energy demand can be achieved by applying a wide variety of technologies and options, which vary from sector to sector and from country to country. Ecofys has extensive experience of analysing energy demand and energy efficiency improvement options in all major energy-using sectors: manufacturing industry, buildings, and transport. Our work benefits from insights into the practicalities of daily operations and decision-making as well as knowledge of the policy framework and the way these factors interact.
Our services include:
- Analysing the structure of energy demand for companies, sectors, regions and countries
- Evaluating energy efficiency practices, including benchmarking
- Analysing cost-effective ways to reduce energy demand and improve energy efficiency
- Designing and evaluating effective policies for reducing energy demand and increasing energy efficiency
- Developing energy scenarios
- Carbon footprinting: analysing the relationship between energy use and greenhouse gas emissions
- Introducing energy and carbon management systems in companies
- Developing and implementing methodologies e.g. to monitor energy consumption, to support energy end-use CDM projects, etc.
- Developing and implementing tools and models that support decision-making
- Capacity building and training
- Process management to support negotiation and decision-making processes.
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