The Economics of Energy Efficiency: Barriers to Cost-Effective Investment

This book explores the nature, operation and relative importance of different barriers to energy efficiency through a comprehensive examination of energy management practices within a wide range of public and private sector organisations. The authors use concepts from new institutional economics to explain individual and organisational behaviour in relation to energy efficiency, and identify the mechanisms through which such barriers may be overcome. In doing so, they are able to shed new light on the barriers debate and provide a valuable input to the future development of climate policy. Combining a critical evaluation of different theoretical perspectives with detailed case study research, this book analyses how and why organisations waste energy and suggests practical policy measures to help prevent these losses.