The need for a new approach in NEBs classification

Abstract

Industrial energy efficiency has been widely recognized as a major contributor for the reduction of green-housegases emissions and the improvement of industrial competitiveness. Nevertheless, a broad set of studies havepointed out the existence of barriers limiting the adoption of promising Energy Efficiency Measures (EEMs).Recently, authors have shown the relevance of the so-called “non-energy benefits” (NEBs) coming from theadoption of EEMs. Still, the existence of such benefits has been pointed out from specific studies and manuals forpractitioners, but an overall framework describing them in terms of savings and benefits, as well as technical andmanagement implications, cannot be found yet. Furthermore, the focus on an industrial decision-makingperspective seems to be lacking. Hence, starting from a thorough literature review of scientific as well aspractitioners studies, the present study aims at sheding the light on NEBs features, implementation issues andmanagement implications coming from the adoption of EEMs. In summary, the study reveals major elements tobe taken into consideration for a novel framework to properly address NEBs (and losses) in the implementationand service phases of an EEM from an industrial decision-making perspective, with consequent implications andsuggestions for the stakeholders involved into an EEM supply chain. Additionally, the study sketches severalopportunities for further researches into the topic for both industrial decision-making as well as policy-makingpurposes.