CHARACTERISTICS

In many countries, economic systems have historically subsidized energy production and consumption with the result that energy intensity may be double-to-quintuple that of industrialized countries. In such systems, energy efficiency will achieve dramatic reductions in GHG emissions in addition to improving performance and minimizing system losses.

Many people and organizations do not fully understand the benefits of energy efficiency. As people/institutions become aware of its benefits, conservation of energy resources will take place, and energy-efficient technologies will be adopted. The use of more efficient technologies will, over time, increase energy intensity, avoiding the emission levels that would have been reached in a "business-as-usual" scenario.

Examples of educational and informational programs include: training courses for adult consumers and companies on technology, environmental issues, energy management, and marketing; programs with schools that create partnerships between schools, homes, and utilities; mass media promotions; and more.

SIZE:
Can be tailored to any situation or sector.

FEATURES:
Can include training courses, public information programs, creation of school, home, utility partnerships and more.

COST:
Utility costs consist of implementation of the actual measures and marketing the program; benefits lie in the avoided supply costs. For customers, energy efficiency upgrades require an initial investment; benefits exist in savings in their electric bills over the lifetime of the technology.

CURRENT USAGE:
Many education programs for energy efficiency are underway. Activities can be monitored through the World Energy Efficiency Association, a clearinghouse of information on energy efficiency efforts worldwide.

POTENTIAL USAGE:
Programs can be tailored to all sectors and for all countries.

ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH IMPLEMENTING ACTION

• Analysis of the effectiveness (measured in electricity consumption reduced) of an energy efficiency education program found that consumers receiving intensive education–including in-home training–reduced their electricity consumption dramatically more than consumers who simply received general information. However, all of the education programs were found to induce reduction in electrical consumption (even over a multi-year period), and to have payback periods of less than two years.
• Consumer education has proven to be effective, but such programs are dependent on funding from governments and international organizations.

CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT

EMISSION EFFECT:
    

CONDITIONS FOR EMISSIONS MITIGATION:

• Increased consumer education may not only make them more aware of the energy/environmental implications of their electricity usage, it will likely expose them to additional consumer appliances that might only displace the reduced demand achieved by the education (rebound effect).

EMISSION ESTIMATE:
Will vary with the scope, breadth and duration of each program. May be difficult to quantify.

COST-EFFECTIVENESS:
Will vary with the scope, breadth and duration of each program.

SECONDARY EFFECTS:
Will vary with the scope, breadth and duration of each program. May be difficult to quantify.

RESOURCES

• The U.S. Department of Energy has established a series of education programs. For utilities, the DOE sponsors the Climate Challenge Program–a voluntary, cooperative effort to reduce, avoid or sequester GHG emissions. DOE assists participating utilities in developing a portfolio of cost-effective initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. DOE provides workbooks/documents with several possible actions, and then links the participants with technical assistance to implement the plans. Participants benefit directly through improved efficiency of operations, and indirectly because of good will earned for their demonstration of commitment to the environment and energy conservation.

CONTACTS

Alliance to Save Energy
Washington, DC
Tel: (202) 857-0666
Fax: (202) 331-9588
info@ase.org
http://www.ase.org

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Washington, DC
Tel: (202) 429-8873
aceee@ix.netcom.com
http://solstice.crest.org/efficiency/aceee

International Institute for Energy Conservation (IIEC)
Washington, DC
Tel: (202) 842-3388
Fax: (202) 842-1565
iiec@iiec.org
http://www.iiec.org/

U.S. Department of Energy
Diane Pirkey
Manager of DSM Programs
Washington D.C. 20585
Tel: (202) 586-9839
Fax: (202) 586-1640
diane.pirkey@ee.doe.gov

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Atmospheric Pollution
Prevention Division
Washington, DC
Tel: (202) 564-9190