The role of public sector policy in sustainable energy efficiency: an application of dynamic modelling

Abstract

ABSTRACT Environmental protection and sustainability are long-standing issues in European Union policies. In this study, we focused on public policy related to waste management. Information on waste disposal guidelines is communicated to public authorities and citizens through public policy. The crucial question is whether the implementation of this policy achieves the objectives. The present analysis was based on a dynamic model of the repeated recycling and energy utilization process of sorted paper using a coloured Petri net. This model allowed for the isolation and monitoring of energy use in relation to the input amount, enabling the investigation of the potential energy efficiency of the paper recycling process. The breakpoint was calculated in terms of energy efficiency, gradual recycling and subsequent energy use. The calculation proved that, until this breakpoint is reached, recycling does not result in greater energy savings than the direct use of sorted paper for energy production. These findings have significant implications for the design and formulation of public policy for both the European Union and national governments.