The cost effectiveness of CO₂ emission reduction achieved by energy conservation

The potential for improving energy efficiency in the Netherlands up to the year 2000 is discussed with the help of a database containing 300 energy conservation techniques. Investigations show that technically it is feasible to reduce emissions by 41% by applying all the energy conservation techniques. The policy of the Dutch government is directed to increase energy efficiency between 1990 and 2000 by about 20%. From our study we conclude that this figure is feasible and can be reached by applying energy conservation techniques with net negative CO₂ emission reduction costs. However, we also conclude that stronger incentives for energy conservation are probably required than applied at present.