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Adoption of low-cost energy efficiency measures in the tertiary sector—An empirical analysis based on energy survey data

Author

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  • Barbara Schlomann

    (Fraunhofer ISI - Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research - Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft - Fraunhofer)

  • Joachim Schleich

    (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University [Blacksburg], MTS - Management Technologique et Strategique - EESC-GEM Grenoble Ecole de Management)

Abstract

This paper empirically explores factors driving the adoption of low cost energy efficiency measures in the tertiary sector which mainly consists of public and private services, trade, commerce and some small industries. The measures considered include switching off installations or lighting, managing energy use, and routinely considering energy efficiency for new purchases. Our statistical analysis employs single and multivariate probit models relying on more than 1500 observations from a recent representative survey of the tertiary sector in Germany. The findings suggest that the landlord-tenant dilemma holds for the adoption of all low-cost energy efficiency measures considered. They further imply that financial incentives such as higher energy prices accelerate the diffusion of low-cost energy measures. Our findings also provide some evidence that knowledge transfer from the mother company to a subsidiary enhances the diffusion of low-cost energy efficiency measures. Likewise, public-sector organizations are more likely to adopt energy management. By and large though, sectoral heterogeneity appears to have little impact on the adoption of low-cost energy efficiency measures.

Suggested Citation

  • Barbara Schlomann & Joachim Schleich, 2015. "Adoption of low-cost energy efficiency measures in the tertiary sector—An empirical analysis based on energy survey data," Post-Print hal-01107719, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01107719
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2014.11.089
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-01107719
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    5. Zhang, Wenyue & Li, Jianan & Sun, Chuanwang, 2022. "The impact of OFDI reverse technology spillovers on China's energy intensity: Analysis of provincial panel data," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 116(C).
    6. Brown, Alistair, 2016. "The need for improved financial reporting of a developing country energy utility," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 1448-1454.
    7. Ángeles Longarela-Ares & Anxo Calvo-Silvosa & José-Benito Pérez-López, 2020. "The Influence of Economic Barriers and Drivers on Energy Efficiency Investments in Maritime Shipping, from the Perspective of the Principal-Agent Problem," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-42, September.

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    Keywords

    Energy management; low-cost energy efficiency measures; tertiary sector;
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