Adoption Of Energy-efficient Technologies Research Articles

Natural resources, trade and fintech in the era of digitalization: A study of economies involved in Belt and Road Initiative

The present study aims to elucidate the impact of digitalization, fintech, trade, and industrial growth on natural resource consumption in emerging economies within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries. Employing the Cross-sectional Augmented Autoregressive Distributed Lag (CS-ARDL) method to mitigate Cross-sectional Dependence (CD) and heterogeneity in slope parameters across panels, this study investigates the previously mentioned relationship. Meticulously selecting panel data from twenty-four emerging countries spanning from 1995 to 2021 in the BRI region, the study offers a robust analysis. The findings of this study reveal the positive impact of digitalization on natural resources, as the proliferation of digital devices, data centers, and internet connectivity contributes to higher energy demands, surging the use of natural resources like fossil fuels and electricity. However, the negative impact of fintech on natural resource consumption shows the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, implementation of e-waste management policies, and advocacy for renewable energy addition in energy system. The result shows trade can reduce pressure on natural resources and endorses that BRI can improve trade activities in the member countries, however, actions such as emphasizing green technology adoption, allocating funds for conservation, promoting sustainable resource management, and investing in resource-efficient production, may contribute positively to preserving natural resources in the member nations. Thus comprehensive approach encompassing trade, industrial growth, and the promotion of financial technologies, collectively could strengthen sustainable resource management efforts in the BRI economies.

Enhancing Environmental Quality: Investigating the Impact of Hydropower Energy Consumption on CO2 Emissions in Indonesia

Achieving sustainable environmental quality has become a critical global issue, necessitating the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to mitigate environmental pollution. Hydropower energy has the potential to play a significant role in this effort by providing a clean, renewable energy source that can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease CO2 emissions. This study examines the dynamic impact of hydropower energy consumption, economic growth, capital, and labor on Indonesia's CO2 emissions from 1990 to 2020. Applying the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) method, the findings demonstrate that hydropower energy consumption has a negative effect on CO2 emissions in both the short and long term, indicating that increasing hydropower energy consumption leads to a reduction in CO2 emissions. Conversely, labor exhibits a positive influence on CO2 emissions in both the short and long term, suggesting that a rise in labor contributes to higher levels of CO2 emissions in Indonesia. Furthermore, the Granger causality analysis reveals a bidirectional relationship between CO2 emissions and hydropower energy consumption. The robustness of ARDL results is confirmed through additional tests using Fully-Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS), Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS), and Canonical Cointegrating Regressions (CCR) methods. The findings underscore the importance of promoting sustainable hydropower energy for effective environmental management in Indonesia. Policymakers should prioritize investments in sustainable hydropower infrastructure, encourage the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, and develop a skilled workforce to mitigate the environmental impact of increased labor force participation.

The Impact of Climate Action on the Financial Performance of Food, Grocery, and Supermarket Retailers in the UK

We examined the impact of climate action on the financial performance of eleven food, grocery, and supermarket retailers listed on the London Stock Exchange from 2013 to 2022. Our findings reveal a positive association between the climate mitigation efforts of these businesses and financial performance, particularly in terms of returns on assets (ROA). Through Ordinary Least Squares estimation, we identified that climate action practices such as renewable energy usage, waste reduction, adoption of energy-efficient technologies, eco-friendly packaging, and optimized transportation are significantly associated with the ROA of UK-based food, grocery, and supermarket retailers. This study is significant as these retailers often have extensive operations and supply chains that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. It demonstrates that engaging in climate mitigation measures can still lead to a positive ROA.

Evaluation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Mitigation Measures at Thammasat University's Lampang Campus in Thailand.

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are the primary drivers of global climate change. Human activities, particularly those related to energy production, transportation, and industry, have long contributed to the escalating levels of GHGs in the Earth's atmosphere. Recognizing the significance of this issue, universities, including Thammasat University, play a vital role in Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions research and education, carrying a responsibility to address the matter. This study is aimed aims to assess the greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation measures at Thammasat University (Lampang campus), Thailand. The emissions are categorized into 3 types: (1) direct GHG emissions; (2) energy-related indirect GHG emissions; and (3) other indirect GHG emissions. Activity data from the years 2019 to 2022 was used for the calculations, resulting in GHG emissions of 1051.70, 778.28, 558.64, and 1034.531 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. Among these emissions, energy-related indirect GHG emissions from electricity purchases represent the majority, accounting for approximately 78.55% of the total emissions. Consequently, implementing mitigation strategies, such as solar panel installations and solid waste reduction (combined scenario), has the potential to reduce GHG emissions by up to 57.78%. Furthermore, the university should actively promote GHG emissions reduction through the enactment of energy-saving policies and the adoption of energy-efficient technologies to reduce reliance on energy purchases.

Green Hotel Practices and Sustainable Development Goals: An Indian Perspective

This research paper delves into the critical intersection of green hotel practices and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the context of India. Focusing on four SDGs—Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Climate Action (SDG 13)—the study explores the perceptions of environmental management representatives in India’s four and five-star hotels. Through a comprehensive analysis of survey data from 32 participants, the research uncovers a multifaceted landscape where proactive engagement with green practices is evident. Key findings reveal that hotels in India have a commendable commitment to environmental sustainability, actively aligning with these SDGs. Notable practices include the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, waste reduction and responsible waste management, and proactive steps in climate change mitigation. However, challenges persist, particularly concerning the limited adoption of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. This study offers a nuanced perspective on the hotel industry’s contribution to SDGs, underscoring both commendable achievements and areas for further improvement. The findings hold valuable implications for policymakers, hoteliers, and sustainability advocates, emphasizing the industry’s pivotal role in achieving global sustainability objectives.

Behavioral and socio-economic determinants of urban households’ investment in energy efficient technologies: evidence from Ethiopia

Wide uses of energy-efficient technologies have the potential to save a significant amount of electricity, which may allow deferral of construction of new power plants. However, in low-income countries, there is low use of energy-efficient technologies. This paper studies the behavioral and socio-economic determinants of urban households’ investment in energy efficiency improvements in Ethiopia. It considers multiple technologies and uses a multivariate probit model to take into account the sequential or simultaneous adoption of energy-efficient technologies. Using a random sample of 1,400 urban households from nine regions in Ethiopia, the study finds that most households (86%) adopt energy-efficient technologies and other energy conservation activities mainly to reduce energy expenditure. Interestingly, at least 12% of the respondents adopt these activities out of concern for the environment and future generations, which is encouraging. The multivariate probit regression result shows that households’ educational status, income or occupational status, access to credit, and age are significant determinants of households’ investment in energy-efficient technologies. The results illustrate there is a need for policies that incentivize or promote firms to sell energy-efficient products, for example, using installment (credit) and also a policy on the language of product specifications–using local language.

Assessing the Impact of Public Behavior and Industrial Emissions on Ambient Air Quality in Pakistan

Air pollution is a growing environmental concern worldwide, and Pakistan is no exception. The study investigates the impact of industrial emissions, as well as public behavior, on air pollution in Pakistan. For this purpose, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted among a sample size of 100 participants, including students, professors, and government employees. The goal was to assess their attitudes, practices, and understanding regarding air pollution, as well as their perception and contribution to the relevant issues and their role concerning industries and vehicles. The findings revealed significant insights into the prevailing situation. The respondents recognized the contributions of industrial emissions to pollution levels. However, a substantial portion of the participants exhibited limited knowledge regarding specific pollutants and their sources. These responses clarified certain facets regarding public behavior, including transportation choices, waste management practices, and energy-efficient technologies. It was evident that sustainable modes of transportation, such as cycling or public transportation, were underutilized, with personal vehicles being the primary choice. Furthermore, significant challenges were identified as a lack of proper waste management practices and the low adoption of energy-efficient technologies. Based on these findings, it is crucial to implement targeted interventions and raise awareness to address air pollution in Pakistan effectively. The study highlighted that there is adire need for increased education and public outreach initiatives to improve knowledge regarding air pollutants and their sources. Policies that support environmentally friendly transportation choices and encourage industry adoption of cleaner technologies should also be developed.

Common weights analysis of renewable energy efficiency of OECD countries

Arising from the recent COP26 climate change conference, many governments have emphasised carbon neutrality targets for environmental sustainability by increasing renewable energy efficiency. This study develops a common set of weights (CSW) model for the additive model in data envelopment analysis using goal programming to analyse the energy efficiency of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. The CSW model, which has better discrimination power, places Iceland as the most renewable energy-efficient member country in the OECD, followed by Luxemburg and Norway. Our findings suggest that OECD countries should increase their renewable energy consumption and reduce municipal waste and CO2 emissions. Investment subsidies should be provided to support the development and adoption of energy-efficient technologies and promote awareness in the community and industry to improve the efficiency of renewable energy to combat climate change.

Credit, Attention, and Externalities in the Adoption of Energy Efficient Technologies by Low-Income Households

We study an energy efficient charcoal cookstove in an experiment with 1,000 households in Nairobi. We estimate a 39 percent reduction in charcoal spending, which matches engineering estimates, generating a 295 percent annual return. Despite fuel savings of $237 over the stove’s two-year lifespan—and $295 in emissions reductions—households are only willing to pay $12. Drawing attention to energy savings does not increase demand. However, a loan more than doubles willingness to pay: credit constraints prevent adoption of privately optimal technologies. Energy efficient technologies could drive sustainable development by slowing greenhouse emissions while saving households money. (JEL D12, D91, G51, O12, O13, O32, Q54)

Consumer Preference for Energy Label in the Purchase Decision of Refrigerator: A Discrete Choice Experiment Approach in the East Coast, Malaysia

Energy label is a widely used policy instrument to increase consumer awareness of energy-efficient home appliances. It helps consumers make better informed purchasing decision intending to save on the electricity bill. The increase in energy efficiency for a household can generate significant energy savings and emissions reduction which can reduce environmental impact. The energy label targets to fight climate change, protect the environment and is significant to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study presents the results of a discrete choice experiment (DCE) on the East Coast, Malaysia to investigate the consumer preferences for energy label in the purchasing decision of a refrigerator. Multinomial logit (MNL) and mixed logit (ML) models are specified to measure the attributes that consumers assess when choosing refrigerators. This study focuses on four attributes, namely energy star, energy consumption, energy saving and refrigerator price. Findings show that consumers have responded positively to the labels, in which about 88.11% of respondents are willing to pay to get better quality appliances that promote a safe environment while 11.89% of respondents are not willing to pay. The findings are useful in improving the effectiveness of existing energy efficiency and labelling programs to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient technology in Malaysia. Hence, the implementation of energy label promotes energy-efficient appliances, which is in line with SDG Goal 7: Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

Role of Financial Development, Green Technology Innovation, and Macroeconomic Dynamics Toward Carbon Emissions in China: Analysis Based on Bootstrap ARDL Approach

This study focuses on determining the relationship between carbon emissions, financial development, population, green technology innovation, energy Consumption, and employment rate from 1980 to 2019 in China. The study applies the unit root test, bootstrapped ARDL cointegration, and the Granger causality to examine the data properties and association between the variables of interest. Empirical findings indicate that green technology innovations and financial development play a major role in environmental protection, specifically in the long run. In contrast, energy consumption and employment rate are more vulnerable to protecting the natural environment in China. On the other side, the findings under short-run estimation do not support the role of green technology innovation in reducing environmental degradation. Based on the empirical findings, it is suggested that a strong financial system would help to achieve long-run sustainability and the emissions mitigating effects can be further strengthen by implementing green technologies across industries. In doing so, strict environmental regulations can regulate the financial and traditional industrial sector in adoption of energy efficient technologies.

Investment in energy resources, natural resources and environment: Evidence from China

Energy resource investment has been critical for a sustainable economy. Its significance, however, intensified, notably post COVID-19. The function of energy efficiency in ensuring a sustainable environment has been undervalued. However, unlike previous studies, this study aims to analyze the role of energy efficiency, industrial production and investment in energy on carbon emissions for China employing data from 1990 to 2020. The study uses updated time series econometric methods such as Narayan and Pop unit root test, Bayer-Hanck cointegration method, fully modified, dynamic and canonical cointegration analysis. The results confirmed cointegrating relationship among variables via Bayer-Hanck cointegration approach. The study also revealed that energy efficiency and carbon emissions had an inverse connection. Meanwhile, China's industrial production, energy investment, and gross domestic product have all been found to increase emissions. Consequently, natural resource rents harm the ecosystem. Based on the empirical findings, this study recommends the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and the use of energy from efficient sources in order to assist China to lessen environmental deterioration.

Revisiting energy efficiency and energy related CO2 emissions: Evidence from RCEP economies

Since the last four decades, energy demand has been reached to the utmost level, which also leads to emissions and causes environmental degradation, global warming and climate change all over the world. In this sense, policy makers have suggested various measures including renewable adoption and energy efficiency. Current study aims to investigate the influence of economic growth, energy consumption, renewable electricity output, and energy efficiency on the energy related emissions. A panel of 12 RCEP economies are examined covering the period 1990-2020. Since the data follows irregular path, therefore a novel method of moment panel quantile regression is employed along with the Granger causality test. The empirical results indicate that economic growth and energy consumption significantly enhances energy related emissions, where the magnitude and significance level is found strengthening from lower to upper quantiles (Q0.25, Q0.50, Q0.75 and Q0.90). Conversely, renewable electricity and energy efficiency are the significant tools for lowering energy related emissions in the region. Additionally, a unidirectional causality is found from energy consumption and renewable electricity output to energy related emissions. However, a feedback effect is validated between economic growth, energy efficiency, and energy related emissions. Based on the empirical findings, this study suggests enhancement of renewable electricity output and adoption of energy efficient technologies to reduce environmental degradation and emission level.

Energy efficiency and electricity expenditure: An analysis of risk and time preferences on light bulb use in Ghana

Despite the numerous benefits of using energy efficient technologies (EETs), their adoption has been low and quite lethargic, particularly in countries within the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region. Behavioral factors are among the list of factors that have been identified to explain the slow adoption of EETs, particularly in SSA countries. Using Ghana as a case study and taking advantage of the most recent nationwide representative household dataset (the seventh round of the Ghana Living Standards Survey), this study sought to examine the role of behavioral factors in promoting energy efficiency in Ghana. We achieve this objective by first examining the time and risk preference effect on the adoption of energy efficient light bulbs among Ghanaian households. Second, we examine the impact of choosing energy efficient light bulbs exclusively on household electricity expenditure. Probit and endogenous treatment regression models are estimated to achieve our objectives. The following results were uncovered: First, the survey data shows that while there is an equal distribution with regards to time preference, 82% of individuals are risk averse. Second, our results show that behavioral traits (risk and time preferences) can lead to energy efficiency and resource conservation. Third, socioeconomic factors such as poverty levels and to a limited extent education also play a significant role in the adoption of energy efficient light bulbs in Ghana. Fourth, the adoption of energy efficient light bulbs significantly reduces household electricity expenditure. It is recommended that behavioral traits of households are factored into energy efficiency policies in Ghana.

Barriers to the adoption of energy-efficient technologies in the building sector: A survey of Brazil

The building sector is responsible for 51% of the electricity consumed in Brazil, and about 10% of the total greenhouse gas emissions. These numbers continue to grow, despite significant efforts made by the government to promote the adoption of building energy efficiency (BEE) technologies, which have not been widely adopted due to barriers. A systematic literature review revealed 27 barriers, classified into six categories, as being responsible for hindering the adoption of energy-efficient technologies. This article aims to verify whether such barriers make sense in the Brazilian context. In order to accomplish this goal, a survey among one thousand Brazilian professionals was carried out. The results are analysed by two multivariate techniques, cluster and factor analysis, validating these barriers as well as the proposed taxonomy for Brazil. The results also show that the two most important categories of barriers are Governmental/Political/Regulatory and Financial/Economic, showing that Brazilian society has high expectations that the government will be more active in this matter. In addition, the survey respondents gave insights into important points concerning technology, education, etc. that should be verified in a timely manner. These findings can assist government agencies, researchers, and experts to develop guidelines/strategies to overcome such barriers.

Implementing Smart City Technologies to Inspire Change in Consumer Energy Behaviour

One of the main challenges in smart city models is consumer behaviour, namely guiding the efforts to promote optimal use of energy in the dynamics of the developing cities, through lower energy consumption without impact on the comfort level. This relates to all energy vectors and can be done through different means. The uptake stage of smart metering and information and communication technologies (ICT) varies in different countries, creating the need for tailored innovative approaches in motivating behavioural change. This paper presents the work carried out within the joint research project ITCity (an ICT platform for sustainable energy ecosystem in smart cities) between the European Union and Latin American Countries. Cooperation of energy researchers and experts in ICT and application developers facilitates adoption of a multipurpose interdisciplinary approach. This work aims at providing the smart city and energy research and innovation community broader understanding of factors influencing adoption of energy efficiency technologies. Different ways of guiding optimal energy use are addressed elaborating on the building blocks for a smart city which consider load patterns based on high resolution, high reporting rate measurements, extensive consumer surveys, available communication solution analysis and end-user interaction with the ICT tool based on gamification principles.

Asymmetric Information on the Market for Energy Efficiency: Insights from the Credence Goods Literature

Asymmetric information is an important barrier to the adoption of energy efficient technologies. In this paper, we study supply-side implications of the associated incentive structure. We build on existing evidence that, in some settings, energy efficiency owns a credence component, whereby the supply side of the market has more information about what technology is best for consumers. The literature on credence goods markets suggests that an information advantage by expert-sellers leads to market inefficiencies, including low trade volume. We start by developing a simple framework to study supply-side incentives related to the provision of energy efficient technologies. We then document inefficiencies and potential remedies by discussing linkages between an empirical literature on credence goods and that on the market for energy efficiency. Doing so, we identify implications for the design of policies promoting the adoption of energy-efficient technologies.

Promoting energy efficiency at household level: a literature review

The household sector is one of the most energy-intensive sectors in Europe, and thus a focal point for reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy consumption. Energy efficiency is considered a key measure to reduce household energy consumption, but several factors could lead to an underinvestment in energy efficiency. This is the so-called energy efficiency gap or paradox. The factors in question are grouped under market failures (including informational failures), behavioural failures and other factors. Various policies can be used to address these failures and promote the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, including energy standards and codes, economic incentives and information instruments. This paper reviews the empirical evidence to date on energy efficiency policies and discusses their effectiveness. On the one hand, command and control instruments seem to be effective policies, but they have to overcome several barriers. In the case of price instruments, subsidies and taxes do not seem to be effective while rebates present mixed results as they sometimes are effective and in other cases, they could present significant shortcomings. Finally, the effectiveness of informational policies is not always ensured as they depend on the country, sector and product category. Information feedback tools also seem to be effective as they work as a constant reminder of energy-efficient behaviour. Some limitations of energy efficiency policies are also identified, such as the difficulties of implementing codes and standards given that a minimum level need to be achieved, differences in the effectiveness of rebate programmes and non-conclusive results in regard to the effectiveness of monetary energy efficiency labels.

Establishing Energy Efficiency—Drivers for Energy Efficiency in German Manufacturing Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Despite strong political efforts in Europe, industrial small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seem to neglect adopting practices for energy efficiency. By taking a cultural perspective, this study investigated what drives the establishment of energy efficiency and corresponding practices in SMEs. Based on 10 ethnographic case studies and a quantitative survey among 500 manufacturing SMEs, the results indicate the importance of everyday employee behavior in achieving energy savings. The studied enterprises value behavior-related measures as similarly important as technical measures. Raising awareness for energy issues within the organization, therefore, constitutes an essential leadership task that is oftentimes perceived as challenging and frustrating. It was concluded that the embedding of energy efficiency in corporate strategy, the use of a broad spectrum of different practices, and the empowerment and involvement of employees serve as major drivers in establishing energy efficiency within SMEs. Moreover, the findings reveal institutional influences on shaping the meanings of energy efficiency for the SMEs by raising attention for energy efficiency in the enterprises and making energy efficiency decisions more likely. The main contribution of the paper is to offer an alternative perspective on energy efficiency in SMEs beyond the mere adoption of energy-efficient technology.

A hybrid energy system model to evaluate the impact of climate policy on the manufacturing sector: Adoption of energy-efficient technologies and rebound effects

Improving efficiency is an important option for reducing manufacturing sector emissions. More efficient technologies reduce energy use and emissions. However, efficiency improvements can induce unexpected effects known as rebound effects. Although previous studies have analyzed these effects, these studies fail to precisely evaluate the rebound effects due to improvements in technology efficiency. Bottom-up models are appropriate for analyzing efficiency improvements at the technology level, but they face limitations in exploring output changes because they usually assume that demand is given. In contrast, top-down models are appropriate for observing output changes in an efficiency-improving sector and in the rest of the economy, but they face limitations in explicitly describing technological changes. This study therefore constructs a hybrid model to overcome the limitations of both types of models and evaluates the impacts of climate policy in Korea’s manufacturing sector when rebound effects are considered. The expected emissions reduction due to new technology adoption in the manufacturing sector is 23.8 million tons CO2eq without rebound effects, but when rebound effects are included, the actual emission reduction (12.7 million tons CO2eq) is about 50% of the expected amount.