Concluding Discussion: Elaborating on the Energy Efficiency Gap

Abstract

In this concluding chapter, we summarize and discuss our main findings, and suggest possible ways forward when it comes to narrowing the energy efficiency gap. We elaborate on the book’s findings in terms of three system levels, i.e., technology, management, and policy. This examination outlines the need to extend the classical view of the energy efficiency gap, which sees it as a solely technological matter, and introduces two new terms, the energy management gap and the energy policy gap. The energy management gap refers to the need to address energy strategically in a company to improve energy efficiency. The energy policy gap refers to the lack of energy policy specifically targeting industrial SMEs, partly because it is difficult to formulate policy for such a diverse group. Narrowing the energy policy gap calls for strict policy making together with government strategies to decentralize power and devolve responsibility to industry.