Analysis of sectoral energy efficiency and implication for the abatement of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada and the USA

Conference · Thu Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1999

OSTI ID:20002262

Mariam, Y K.G.

Climate change and its impacts have become the focal points of current national and international environmental policies. Anthropogenic emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere is believed to contribute to changes in global climate. Among the sources of anthropogenic emissions, energy consumption has been identified as the most important issue that needs to be targeted in order to realize significant reductions in emissions of CO{sub 2}, which is the major component of GHGs. It is also understood that energy use is critical to the continual development and economic growth of most nations. Alternatives to conventional energy are either scarce or expensive. Therefore, it is essential to explore ways in which existing sources of energy are utilized efficiently. In order to accomplish this task, it is important to identify and target users of energy, the efficiency with which they utilize it and the corresponding emissions of GHGs. The present study intends to examine the structure of the Canadian industrial sector including their energy consumption and emissions of GHGs, especially CO{sub 2}. The study will utilize fractional linear programming method, also known as Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), to examine aggregate production and energy efficiency of thirteen sectors in Canada. This methodology will rank the sectors according to the efficiency with which they utilize energy and allow the identification of sectors where reductions in emissions of CO{sub 2} can be attained without loss of economic performance. The findings for Canadian sectors would be compared with the same sectors in the USA assuming that they should be competitive. The results of this study are expected to assist policy makers in focusing attention to sectors where greater gains could be achieved through increased energy efficiency.

• Research Organization: Environment Canada, Hull, Quebec (CA)
• OSTI ID: 20002262
• Report Number(s): CONF-990608--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION ABATEMENT
CANADA
CARBON DIOXIDE
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
GREENHOUSE GASES
USA