Consumer non-energy benefits as a motivation for making energy-efficiency improvements

Abstract

Few benefits (e.g., employment) are provided by electric power plants, coal mines, oil pipelines, or other energy-supply systems aside from the energy they produce. Technologies to improve energy end-use efficiency, however, frequently offer non-energy benefits beyond those provided by supply-side options. One class of such benefits accrues at the national level (improved competitiveness, energy security, net job creation, environmental protection) while another relates to consumers and their decision making processes. From a consumer perspective, it is often the non-energy benefits that motivate or can be used to promote decisions to adopt energy-efficient technologies. Specific technical examples are provided for highly efficient windows, energy-efficient lighting, space conditioning, ventilation and indoor air quality.