Document summary
This report explores how energy efficiency - that is reducing the amount of energy required to provide products and services - is a logical response to the energy challenge we are facing in a resource-constrained world. End-use energy efficiency offers the greatest potential to lower both energy demand and CO2 emissions. It offers considerable low-hanging fruit given that two-thirds of the economic potential to improve energy efficiency remains untapped (source: IEA). Cost is likely to be the key driver, with a general rule of thumb across sectors that every dollar spent on energy efficiency means US$2- 4 in lifetime cost savings – and paybacks averaging 3-7 years. Energy efficiency exposure is mapped across a number of sectors’ value chains to highlight the diverse range of entry points available to those wishing to invest in the energy efficiency theme: (1) Automobiles; (2) Buildings; (3) Industrials and Integrated Plays; (4) IT; (5) Lighting and LEDs; (6) Smart Grid and Energy Storage; and (7) Transport – Bus, Rail, Shipping and Lightweighting.