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'Rebound' effects from increased energy efficiency: a time to pause and reflect

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  • Turner, Karen

Abstract

The phenomenon of rebound effects has sparked considerable academic, policy and press debate over the effectiveness of energy efficiency policy in recent years. 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

  • Turner, Karen, 2012. "'Rebound' effects from increased energy efficiency: a time to pause and reflect," Stirling Economics Discussion Papers 2012-15, University of Stirling, Division of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:stl:stledp:2012-15
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/1893/8950
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    Keywords

    Energy efficiency; Rebound; Energy demand; Energy supply;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F0 - International Economics - - General

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