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Evaluating the Management System Approach for Industrial Energy Efficiency Improvements

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  • Thomas Zobel

    (Industrial Environmental Management Unit, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå SE-971 87, Sweden)

  • Charlotte Malmgren

    (Industrial Environmental Management Unit, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå SE-971 87, Sweden)

Abstract

Voluntary environmental management systems (EMS) based on the international standard ISO 14001 have become widespread globally in recent years. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of voluntary management systems on energy efficiency in the Swedish manufacturing industry by means of objective industrial energy data derived from mandatory annual environmental reports. The study focuses on changes in energy efficiency over a period of 12 years and includes both ISO 14001-certified companies and non-certified companies. Consideration is given to energy improvement efforts in the companies before the adoption of ISO 14001. The analysis has been carried out using statistical methods for two different industrial energy parameters: electricity and fossil fuel consumption. The results indicate that ISO 14001 adoption and certification has increased energy efficiency regarding the use of fossil fuel. In contrast, no effect of the management systems has been found concerning the use of electricity. The mixed results of this study are only partly in line with the results of previous studies based on perceptions of company representatives.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Zobel & Charlotte Malmgren, 2016. "Evaluating the Management System Approach for Industrial Energy Efficiency Improvements," Energies, MDPI, vol. 9(10), pages 1-12, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:9:y:2016:i:10:p:774-:d:78859
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    4. P. Pablo Poveda-Orjuela & J. Carlos García-Díaz & Alexander Pulido-Rojano & Germán Cañón-Zabala, 2019. "ISO 50001: 2018 and Its Application in a Comprehensive Management System with an Energy-Performance Focus," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(24), pages 1-33, December.
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    6. Kristaps Locmelis & Dagnija Blumberga & Andra Blumberga & Anna Kubule, 2020. "Benchmarking of Industrial Energy Efficiency. Outcomes of an Energy Audit Policy Program," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-15, May.
    7. Akvile Lawrence & Patrik Thollander & Magnus Karlsson, 2018. "Drivers, Barriers, and Success Factors for Improving Energy Management in the Pulp and Paper Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-35, June.
    8. Radosław Wolniak & Adam Wyszomirski & Marcin Olkiewicz & Anna Olkiewicz, 2021. "Environmental Corporate Social Responsibility Activities in Heating Industry—Case Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-19, March.
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    11. Agus Joko Pramono & Suwarno & Firdaus Amyar & Renny Friska, 2023. "Sustainability Management Accounting in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals: The Role of Performance Auditing in the Manufacturing Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-13, June.
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