IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jeners/v18y2025i3p735-d1584407.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Key Determinants of Energy Intensity and Greenhouse Gas Emission Savings in Commercial and Public Services in the Baltic States

Author

Listed:
  • Vaclovas Miskinis

    (Laboratory of Energy Systems Research, Lithuanian Energy Institute, Breslaujos 3, LT-44403 Kaunas, Lithuania)

  • Arvydas Galinis

    (Laboratory of Energy Systems Research, Lithuanian Energy Institute, Breslaujos 3, LT-44403 Kaunas, Lithuania)

  • Inga Konstantinaviciute

    (Laboratory of Energy Systems Research, Lithuanian Energy Institute, Breslaujos 3, LT-44403 Kaunas, Lithuania)

  • Viktorija Bobinaite

    (Laboratory of Energy Systems Research, Lithuanian Energy Institute, Breslaujos 3, LT-44403 Kaunas, Lithuania)

  • Jarek Niewierowicz

    (Laboratory of Energy Systems Research, Lithuanian Energy Institute, Breslaujos 3, LT-44403 Kaunas, Lithuania)

  • Eimantas Neniskis

    (Laboratory of Energy Systems Research, Lithuanian Energy Institute, Breslaujos 3, LT-44403 Kaunas, Lithuania)

  • Egidijus Norvaisa

    (Laboratory of Energy Systems Research, Lithuanian Energy Institute, Breslaujos 3, LT-44403 Kaunas, Lithuania)

  • Dalius Tarvydas

    (Laboratory of Energy Systems Research, Lithuanian Energy Institute, Breslaujos 3, LT-44403 Kaunas, Lithuania)

Abstract

The improvement of energy efficiency (EE) and growing consumption of renewable energy sources (RES) in the commercial and public services sector are playing important roles in seeking to pursue sustainable development in the Baltic States and contributing to the transition to a low-carbon economy. This paper provides findings from a detailed analysis of energy intensity trends in economic sectors from 2005 to 2022 in three countries, considering the role of transformations in the energy and climate framework of the European Union (EU). Based on the Fisher Ideal Index application, the different contributions from improving EE and structural changes are revealed. The dominant role of EE improvements in energy savings is identified in Estonia and Lithuania, and structural changes are dominant in Latvia. Changes in energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the commercial and public services sector and the main determinants of their reduction are examined. Based on applying the Kaya identity and the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) method, decreasing energy intensity is the most important determinant in all three countries. Due to the different extents of RES deployment, their role was very important in Estonia and Latia but was less effective in Lithuania. Reduction in emission intensity has the largest impact in Latvia. The GHG emissions decreased by 34.1% in Estonia, 17.5% in Latvia, and 16.7% in Lithuania. The results confirm the need for new policies, implementation of relevant EE measures, and the growing contribution from RES in Latvia and Lithuania.

Suggested Citation

  • Vaclovas Miskinis & Arvydas Galinis & Inga Konstantinaviciute & Viktorija Bobinaite & Jarek Niewierowicz & Eimantas Neniskis & Egidijus Norvaisa & Dalius Tarvydas, 2025. "Key Determinants of Energy Intensity and Greenhouse Gas Emission Savings in Commercial and Public Services in the Baltic States," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-26, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:3:p:735-:d:1584407
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/3/735/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/3/735/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Govender Keegan & Pillay Nelendran & Oni Oluwafemi, 2024. "Modeling and Simulation of Hybrid Electric Vehicles for Sustainable Transportation: Insights into Fuel Savings and Emissions Reduction," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-24, October.
    2. Łukasz Augustowski & Piotr Kułyk, 2024. "Dynamic Analysis of CO 2 Emissions and Their Determinants in the Countries of Central and Eastern Europe," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-16, September.
    3. Wang, Jianlong & Wang, Weilong & Liu, Yong & Wu, Haitao, 2023. "Can industrial robots reduce carbon emissions? Based on the perspective of energy rebound effect and labor factor flow in China," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    4. Chuanyue Zhao & Zhishuang Zhu & Yujuan Wang & Junhong Du, 2024. "The Impact of Industrial Robots on Green Total Factor Energy Efficiency: Empirical Evidence from Chinese Cities," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-24, October.
    5. Danieli Veronezi & Marcel Soulier & Tímea Kocsis, 2024. "Energy Solutions for Decarbonization of Industrial Heat Processes," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-23, November.
    6. Borys Ioshchikhes & Michael Frank & Matthias Weigold, 2024. "A Systematic Review of Expert Systems for Improving Energy Efficiency in the Manufacturing Industry," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-22, September.
    7. Gorus, Muhammed Sehid & Karagol, Erdal Tanas, 2022. "Reactions of energy intensity, energy efficiency, and activity indexes to income and energy price changes: The panel data evidence from OECD countries," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 254(PA).
    8. Zhang, Yan & Teoh, Bak Koon & Zhang, Limao, 2023. "Exploring driving force factors of building energy use and GHG emission using a spatio-temporal regression method," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 269(C).
    9. Gale A. Boyd & Joseph M. Roop, 2004. "A Note on the Fisher Ideal Index Decomposition for Structural Change in Energy Intensity," The Energy Journal, , vol. 25(1), pages 87-101, January.
    10. Gale A. Boyd and Joseph M. Roop, 2004. "A Note on the Fisher Ideal Index Decomposition for Structural Change in Energy Intensity," The Energy Journal, International Association for Energy Economics, vol. 0(Number 1), pages 87-102.
    11. Voigt, Sebastian & De Cian, Enrica & Schymura, Michael & Verdolini, Elena, 2014. "Energy intensity developments in 40 major economies: Structural change or technology improvement?," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 47-62.
    12. Thitiporn Thomyapitak & Piyanat Saengsikhiao & Passakorn Vessakosol & Juntakan Taweekun, 2024. "A Study on the Energy Efficiency of an Energy Management System for Convenience Stores," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-28, October.
    13. Haitao Wu & Ruohan Zhong & Zhen Wang & Yuanfeng Qu & Xiaodong Yang & Yu Hao, 2024. "How Does Industrial Intellectualization Affect Energy Intensity? Evidence from China," The Energy Journal, , vol. 45(2), pages 49-70, March.
    14. Li, Tianxiang & Baležentis, Tomas & Makutėnienė, Daiva & Streimikiene, Dalia & Kriščiukaitienė, Irena, 2016. "Energy-related CO2 emission in European Union agriculture: Driving forces and possibilities for reduction," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 180(C), pages 682-694.
    15. Mousavi, Babak & Lopez, Neil Stephen A. & Biona, Jose Bienvenido Manuel & Chiu, Anthony S.F. & Blesl, Markus, 2017. "Driving forces of Iran's CO2 emissions from energy consumption: An LMDI decomposition approach," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 206(C), pages 804-814.
    16. Andreoni, Valeria & Galmarini, Stefano, 2016. "Drivers in CO2 emissions variation: A decomposition analysis for 33 world countries," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 27-37.
    17. Leal, Patrícia Alexandra & Marques, António Cardoso & Fuinhas, José Alberto, 2019. "Decoupling economic growth from GHG emissions: Decomposition analysis by sectoral factors for Australia," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 12-26.
    18. Solaymani, Saeed, 2019. "CO2 emissions patterns in 7 top carbon emitter economies: The case of transport sector," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 168(C), pages 989-1001.
    19. Ang, B.W. & Zhang, F.Q., 2000. "A survey of index decomposition analysis in energy and environmental studies," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 25(12), pages 1149-1176.
    20. Xu, X.Y. & Ang, B.W., 2013. "Index decomposition analysis applied to CO2 emission studies," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 313-329.
    21. Brizga, Janis & Feng, Kuishuang & Hubacek, Klaus, 2014. "Drivers of greenhouse gas emissions in the Baltic States: A structural decomposition analysis," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 22-28.
    22. Mihaela Sterpu & Georgeta Soava & Anca Mehedintu, 2018. "Impact of Economic Growth and Energy Consumption on Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Testing Environmental Curves Hypotheses on EU Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-14, September.
    23. Simone Forastiere & Cristina Piselli & Andrea Silei & Fabio Sciurpi & Anna Laura Pisello & Franco Cotana & Carla Balocco, 2024. "Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Food Retail Buildings: Introducing a Novel Assessment Framework," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-23, September.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Wankeun Oh & Jonghyun Yoo, 2020. "Long-Term Increases and Recent Slowdowns of CO 2 Emissions in Korea," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-13, August.
    2. Rui Jiang & Rongrong Li & Qiuhong Wu, 2019. "Investigation for the Decomposition of Carbon Emissions in the USA with C-D Function and LMDI Methods," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-15, January.
    3. Löschel, Andreas & Pothen, Frank & Schymura, Michael, 2015. "Peeling the onion: Analyzing aggregate, national and sectoral energy intensity in the European Union," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 52(S1), pages 63-75.
    4. Kaivo-oja, J. & Luukkanen, J. & Panula-Ontto, J. & Vehmas, J. & Chen, Y. & Mikkonen, S. & Auffermann, B., 2014. "Are structural change and modernisation leading to convergence in the CO2 economy? Decomposition analysis of China, EU and USA," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 115-125.
    5. Ang, B.W. & Goh, Tian, 2019. "Index decomposition analysis for comparing emission scenarios: Applications and challenges," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 83(C), pages 74-87.
    6. Mousavi, Babak & Lopez, Neil Stephen A. & Biona, Jose Bienvenido Manuel & Chiu, Anthony S.F. & Blesl, Markus, 2017. "Driving forces of Iran's CO2 emissions from energy consumption: An LMDI decomposition approach," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 206(C), pages 804-814.
    7. Hongli Zhang & Lei Shen & Shuai Zhong & Ayman Elshkaki, 2020. "Economic Structure Transformation and Low-Carbon Development in Energy-Rich Cities: The Case of the Contiguous Area of Shanxi and Shaanxi Provinces, and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-14, March.
    8. Weihua Su & Yuying Wang & Dalia Streimikiene & Tomas Balezentis & Chonghui Zhang, 2020. "Carbon dioxide emission decomposition along the gradient of economic development: The case of energy sustainability in the G7 and Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 28(4), pages 657-669, July.
    9. Pothen, Frank & Schymura, Michael, 2014. "Bigger cakes with less ingredients? A comparison of material use of the world economy," ZEW Discussion Papers 14-030, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    10. Schymura, Michael & Voigt, Sebastian, 2014. "What drives changes in carbon emissions? An index decomposition approach for 40 countries," ZEW Discussion Papers 14-038, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    11. Chen, Ruoyu & Steinbuks, Jevgenijs, 2024. "Assessing the potential for energy efficiency improvements in Latin America and Caribbean," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 192(C).
    12. Goh, Tian & Ang, B.W. & Xu, X.Y., 2018. "Quantifying drivers of CO2 emissions from electricity generation – Current practices and future extensions," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 231(C), pages 1191-1204.
    13. Román-Collado, Rocío & Cansino, José M. & Botia, Camilo, 2018. "How far is Colombia from decoupling? Two-level decomposition analysis of energy consumption changes," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 148(C), pages 687-700.
    14. Atalla, Tarek & Bean, Patrick, 2017. "Determinants of energy productivity in 39 countries: An empirical investigation," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 217-229.
    15. Xianrui Liao & Wei Yang & Yichen Wang & Junnian Song, 2019. "Uncovering Variations, Determinants, and Disparities of Multisector-Level Final Energy Use of Industries Across Cities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-16, March.
    16. Lima, Fátima & Nunes, Manuel Lopes & Cunha, Jorge & Lucena, André F.P., 2016. "A cross-country assessment of energy-related CO2 emissions: An extended Kaya Index Decomposition Approach," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 115(P2), pages 1361-1374.
    17. Juan David Rivera-Niquepa & Daniela Rojas-Lozano & Paulo M. De Oliveira-De Jesus & Jose M. Yusta, 2022. "Decomposition Analysis of the Aggregate Carbon Intensity (ACI) of the Power Sector in Colombia—A Multi-Temporal Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-18, October.
    18. Guevara, Zeus & Domingos, Tiago, 2017. "Three-level decoupling of energy use in Portugal 1995–2010," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 108(C), pages 134-142.
    19. Ang, B.W. & Su, Bin & Wang, H., 2016. "A spatial–temporal decomposition approach to performance assessment in energy and emissions," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 112-121.
    20. Liu, Hong & Wang, Chang & Tian, Meiyu & Wen, Fenghua, 2019. "Analysis of regional difference decomposition of changes in energy consumption in China during 1995–2015," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 171(C), pages 1139-1149.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:3:p:735-:d:1584407. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.