Energieeffizienz in privaten Haushalten im internationalen Vergleich : eine Policy-Wirkungsanalyse mit QCA

Abstract

In recent years, the recognition of the multiple benefits related to energy efficiency has become more and more pronounced both at the national and the international level. Therefore, governments worldwide have adopted miscellaneous energy efficiency policies in order to promote the efficient use of energy in all sectors. This study aims at analysing the impact energy efficiency policies have on the electricity consumption of private households in international comparison. In this context, the study focuses on identifying which combination of policies is most effective, using Qualitative Comparative Analysis as a method suited to answer this kind of research question. The underlying intention is to gain insights into standards of good practice, having in mind the improvement of German energy efficiency policy-making. The results indicate that policies, when applied in combination, are sufficient for the reduction of electricity consumption in private households, with the combined impact of cross-sectional and informative instruments being the most outstanding. However, context factors seem to have a modifying impact on the functioning of the policies observed. In order to further specify the results of the analysis, a case study of the Danish energy efficiency policy was conducted. It revealed that Denmark received good results with an Electricity Saving Trust as well as Energy Efficiency Commitments for grid companies.