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Advances in the social construction of energy management and energy efficiency in industry

Author

Listed:
  • Patrik Thollander

    (Linköping University
    University of Gävle)

  • Mariana Andrei

    (Linköping University)

  • Noor Jalo

    (University of Gävle)

  • Patrik Rohdin

    (Linköping University)

  • Jenny Palm

    (Lund University)

  • Anna Sannö

    (Dept. of Chemistry – Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University)

  • Johan Colding

    (University of Gävle
    Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences)

  • Stephan Barthel

    (University of Gävle
    Stockholm University)

  • Gazi Salah Uddin

    (Linköping University)

  • Bruna Maria Xavier

    (Linköping University)

Abstract

Energy efficiency is essential for climate change mitigation. Energy management, shaped by both technical artefacts and social constructions, can overcome barriers and achieve greater emission reductions than technology-focused approaches alone. Nine social constructions of energy management emphasize the need for a broader view that includes operations, processes, and knowledge creation and diffusion. By adopting these strategies, corporations and policymakers can substantially reduce industrial energy use and emissions. We estimate that effective energy management policies and voluntary initiatives could cut at least 5% of global industrial fossil CO2 emissions.

Suggested Citation

  • Patrik Thollander & Mariana Andrei & Noor Jalo & Patrik Rohdin & Jenny Palm & Anna Sannö & Johan Colding & Stephan Barthel & Gazi Salah Uddin & Bruna Maria Xavier, 2025. "Advances in the social construction of energy management and energy efficiency in industry," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-59284-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59284-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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