Title: The energy efficiency revolution: formula for success

Authors: Luis Aires-Barros

Addresses: Instituto Superior Technico, Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal

Abstract: The world at the end of the twentieth century is beset by many global economic, political, social and environmental problems. Among these is the energy question. How are we to address the energy question in the context of the expansion of technology, and the growth in the world|s population and in economic activity? The answer must involve a new approach to energy use. This new approach is evident in the emerging energy efficiency revolution. The efficiency revolution in energy should be considered to be a tool to be used in building a successful new society and as the key to environmental conservation and economic progress. The great challenge will be to meet the energy needs of the future without repeating the errors of the past. So in developed countries the need is for quite different solutions to those that should be implemented in developing countries. It is important to stress that energy efficiency does not mean simply energy conservation: it means getting the same or better, services from less energy by substituting ingenuity for brute force in using new technologies in buildings, factories, cars, and so on. The energy efficiency revolution is not a simple panacea, but it is an essential part of the solution to many of the world|s global problems.

Keywords: buildings; energy conservation; energy consumption; energy efficiency; future trends; industry; transport.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.1990.063714

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 1990 Vol.2 No.2, pp.111-116

Published online: 19 Jul 2014 *

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