Energy Conservation
What is energy conservation?
Energy conservation is a term that refers to many different methods of reducing the energy consumption of a given population. While related, energy conservation should not be confused with energy efficiency. Energy efficiency, in contrast, refers to performing the same task, such as lighting a room, while using less overall energy. Commonly suggested techniques to improve energy efficiency, both among households and businesses, include using energy efficient appliances, proper insulation, relying more on natural lighting or when artificial lighting is necessary using lower energy light bulbs.1 In the United States, low energy appliances can carry the tag “Energy Star.” This label is given to appliances which meet the minimum standards of the federal government.1
As explained below, relying on improved energy efficiency to improve energy conservation may not be justified. One rather simple method, however, provides a less debatable mechanism for conservation. This method is a concerted effort to cut back energy use. Examples of putting this technique into practice are such actions as turning off the lights when leaving a room, turning down the heat in the winter, turning down the air conditioning in the summer and carpooling to work.
How much could conservation save?
A recent study by McKinsey & Co. suggests as much as 1.2 trillion dollars could be saved in the United States by 2020 with a reduction in energy consumption of up to 23%.3 The primary methods used in the study were "education, incentive and grant programs and nationwide standards for energy efficiency."3 One of the models this plan was based off of was California, where the state's consumption of natural gas has decreased dramatically since the 1970s and unlike the rest of the country, per capita consumption of electricity has remained constant.3
Jevon's Paradox
While the use of more energy efficient products is commonly suggested as a method for conservation, there exists a contrary school of thought. In the mid-19th century, the economist William Stanley Jevons suggested that an increase in energy efficiency could in fact have the opposite effect.2 His hypothesis, referred to as “Jevons Paradox, can be explained as “with fixed real energy prices, energy-efficiency gains will increase energy consumption above what it would be without these gains.”2
A simple example from Steve Sorrell's publication can be seen below: The idea is based on the proposition that total energy production is not the limiting factor for how much energy a normal person or entity consumes. Instead what drives the consumption of energy is the relationship of supply, demand and the cost of the energy. A recent article by Steve Sorrell showed that in summation, Jevon's Paradox could at the moment neither be proven, nor dis-proven. He showed that increases in total energy consumption often mirrored changes in energy efficiency; however, he stated that a causal relationship between these changes could not be proven.
References:
1. http://www.energysavers.gov/
2. Sorrell, Steve. “Jevons' Paradox revisited: The evidence for backfire from improved energy efficiency.” Energy Policy. Volume 37. Issue 4. April 2009. Pages 1456-1469.
3. "New study finds potential savings of $1.2 trillion in energy efficiency." Pipeline & Gas Journal 236.9 (2009): 4. Academic Onefile. Web. 23 Oct. 2010.
1. http://www.energysavers.gov/
2. Sorrell, Steve. “Jevons' Paradox revisited: The evidence for backfire from improved energy efficiency.” Energy Policy. Volume 37. Issue 4. April 2009. Pages 1456-1469.
3. "New study finds potential savings of $1.2 trillion in energy efficiency." Pipeline & Gas Journal 236.9 (2009): 4. Academic Onefile. Web. 23 Oct. 2010.
