Sustainable Energy projects
International comparative study on energy efficiency
Gaia studied global energy efficiency landscape in the report “Energy Efficiency Internationally”, made to Sitra (the Finnish Innovation Fund) in 2008–2009.
Energy efficiency is advancing rapidly throughout the globe. IPCC, the Stern report and IEA, among others, suggest that energy efficiency is the most cost-efficient way to reduce greenhouse gases. The study carried out by Gaia reviewed comprehensively policy measures to improve energy efficiency in EU countries, Norway, Japan, Canada, and some US states. The analyzed measures covered urban planning, buildings, transport, households, services, and the industry outside emissions trading. Twelve energy efficiency measures carried out or planned in forerunner countries were selected for more detailed analysis (see Figure). The analysis focused on the suitability of energy efficiency measures in the Finnish context.
Through the study, Gaia has gained unique view on the state of the art in energy efficiency throughout the globe. Gaia used this extensive energy efficiency knowledge to provide suggestion to Finnish climate and energy strategy implementation. As a result of the study, Gaia proposed following actions to improve energy efficiency in Finland:
- the introduction of radical new technologies: e.g. electric vehicles in Denmark and satellite-based road user charging in the Netherlands,
- the development of comprehensive solutions: e.g. urban and traffic planning in the cities of Freiburg and Vancouver,
- the creation and distribution of unbiased information: e.g. municipal energy advisors in Sweden, a
- the activation of markets and the creation of functioning market mechanisms: e.g. CO2 reduction commitments in the UK.
The project was funded by Sitra, Ministry of Employment and the Economy and Ministry of the Environment of Finland.
Read Gaia’s report for Sitra: Energy Efficiency Internationally (in Finnish)
