The Evaluation of Energy Efficiency Policies in the Building Sector: A Regional Analysis Based on the Stochastic Frontier Approach and on the Energy Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) and Policy Implications

Abstract

The promotion of the Energy Efficiency is one of the priorities of EU energy policy to fight the Climate Change and make Europe climate neutral by 2050 (EC 2020). The civil sector offers high potential for energy efficiency improvement and the buildings are responsible for about 40% of the EU's energy consumption, and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions (EC 2020). In Italy the civil sector (residential and tertiary together), are responsible for approximately 45% of final energy consumption and 17.5% of Italy's CO2 emissions, has a potential in reducing energy consumption of approximately 5,7 Mtoe compared to the base scenario in 2030. The core research question is: “Are national and local energy efficiency policies effective in reducing aggregate energy consumption at regional level in the civil sector?” From the policy maker’s point of view, it is important to understand the effectiveness of the policy instruments introduced to promote energy efficiency. The research framework is based on the frontier analysis and its main objective is to econometrically estimate for the period 2010 to 2017 the energy efficiency level for the civil sector in the Italy regions. The estimates confirm the effectiveness of policy instruments, represented by tax deductions and economic incentives, in creating high potential for energy savings from reduced inefficiency in the civil sector.

Reviewing Algeria's Energy and Environmental Landscape: Policy, Regulation, and Knowledge Needs

“…As the country witnessed noticeable leaps in regulations and energy policies, similar studies have been conducted in other regions, for example, Karaeva et al [15] conducted a review by performing a comparative analysis of energy policies for three regions by assessing their energy sectors, the study reveals that significant disparities between regions are observed in terms of key targets and achievements with EU being the leader followed by the United States, however, Russia remains lagging in terms of progression in RES, despite the availability of regulations and measures for all three regions, this is due to availability and cheapness of natural resources for both Russia and United States. Subsequently, Falconi [16] assessed the effectiveness of energy efficiency policy measures in Italy, the study suggests that a combination of fiscal incentives, economic support mechanisms, and wellstructured voluntary initiatives can effectively promote energy efficiency in the building sector.…”

Toward Climate Neutrality: A Comprehensive Overview of Sustainable Operations Management, Optimization, and Wastewater Treatment Methods

“…The civil sector, encompassing both residential and tertiary buildings, presents significant opportunities for enhancing energy efficiency. The implementation of policy instruments, such as tax deductions and economic incentives, has proven to be successful in generating significant opportunities for energy savings by addressing inefficiencies in the civil sector [33]. The adoption of passive house designs and the incorporation of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and geothermal heating systems, have been embraced across the region.…”