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“Rebound†Effects from Increased Energy Efficiency: A Time to Pause and Reflect

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  • Karen Turner

Abstract

The phenomenon of rebound effects has sparked considerable academic, policy and press debate in recent years over the effectiveness of energy efficiency policy. There has been a huge surge in empirical studies claiming rebound effects of hugely varying magnitudes. The contention of this paper is that the lack of consensus in the literature is grounded in a rush to empirical estimation in the absence of solid analytical foundations. Focus on measuring a single “rebound†measure has led to a neglect of detail on precisely what type of change in energy use is considered in any one study and on the range of mechanisms governing the economy-wide response. This paper attempts to bring a reflective pause to the development of the rebound literature, with a view to identifying the key issues that policymakers need to understand and analysts need to focus their attention on.

Suggested Citation

  • Karen Turner, 2013. "“Rebound†Effects from Increased Energy Efficiency: A Time to Pause and Reflect," The Energy Journal, , vol. 34(4), pages 25-42, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:enejou:v:34:y:2013:i:4:p:25-42
    DOI: 10.5547/01956574.34.4.2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jeroen Bergh, 2011. "Energy Conservation More Effective With Rebound Policy," Environmental & Resource Economics, Springer;European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 48(1), pages 43-58, January.
    2. Madlener, R. & Alcott, B., 2009. "Energy rebound and economic growth: A review of the main issues and research needs," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(3), pages 370-376.
    3. Turner, Karen, 2009. "Negative rebound and disinvestment effects in response to an improvement in energy efficiency in the UK economy," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 31(5), pages 648-666, September.
    4. Anson, Sam & Turner, Karen, 2009. "Rebound and disinvestment effects in refined oil consumption and supply resulting from an increase in energy efficiency in the Scottish commercial transport sector," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(9), pages 3608-3620, September.
    5. Mizobuchi, Kenichi, 2008. "An empirical study on the rebound effect considering capital costs," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 30(5), pages 2486-2516, September.
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    Cited by:

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    5. Charfeddine, Lanouar & Hussain, Bilal & Kahia, Montassar, 2024. "Analysis of the Impact of Information and Communication Technology, Digitalization, Renewable Energy and Financial Development on Environmental Sustainability," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 201(C).

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