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Energy consumption in service industries: Challenging the myth of non-materiality

Author

Listed:
  • Charlotte Fourcroy

    (CLERSÉ - Centre Lillois d’Études et de Recherches Sociologiques et Économiques - UMR 8019 - Université de Lille - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Faïz Gallouj

    (CLERSÉ - Centre Lillois d’Études et de Recherches Sociologiques et Économiques - UMR 8019 - Université de Lille - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Fabrice Decellas

    (EDF R&D - EDF R&D - EDF - EDF)

Abstract

This paper addresses the issue of energy consumption in service industries. Official energy statistics show that the amount of energy consumed in service industries is quite small, and this is explained in the theoretical literature by the presumed intangibility of these services. Our hypothesis, however, is that the energy consumed by services has been underestimated. After identifying and analyzing the full range of sources of energy consumption in service industries, we show that official energy statistics account for only a part of this consumption. Our work is based on a thorough rereading of the economics literature on services (especially concerning the definition of services and the specifics of the service provision process), done in light of our knowledge about energy consumption.

Suggested Citation

  • Charlotte Fourcroy & Faïz Gallouj & Fabrice Decellas, 2011. "Energy consumption in service industries: Challenging the myth of non-materiality," Post-Print hal-01111724, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01111724
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2012.07.003
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-01111724
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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