Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
slow the growth of energy consumption, can save consumers money and
can reduce capital expenses for energy infrastructure. Energy consumption
is increasing rapidly in these countries, yet energy efficiency remains far
below the levels in developed countries. For most developing countries, the
foreign exchange needed to finance energy sector expansion is a significant
drain on reserves. Additionally, energy efficiency reduces local environmen-
tal impacts, such as water and air pollution from power plants, and mitigates
greenhouse gas emissions. Standards and labelling programmes provide
enormous energy-saving potential that can direct developing countries
towards sustainable energy use. Improved end-use efficiency from stan-
dards and labelling programmes can contribute significantly to developing
economies. The main benefits are
1. Less of a need for new power plants: The cost of saving 1 kWh of
energy through energy efficiency programmes has proven much
less expensive than producing 1 kWh of energy by building a new
power plant.
2. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Less energy production means
less carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. This contributes to
environmental benefits such as slowing down environmental pollu-
tion and global warming and preserving natural resources and the
ecosystem.
3. Improved competitiveness for local manufacturers: Local companies
that upgrade the efficiency of their products can compete better with
multinational companies, especially with lower production costs.
4. Higher consumer disposable income: Less spending on electric bills
increases consumer purchasing power for other products, which
helps local businesses.
5. Increased cash flow in the local economy: With higher disposable
income, consumers are more willing to spend, thus injecting more
money into the local economy.
6. Improved trade balance: Decrease in energy demand will reduce
the consumption of indigenous resources (i.e., natural gas and oil),
allowing more to be exported (for Lebanon, less to be imported).
Increased export earnings (or less import spending) help alleviate
trade deficits in Arab countries.
7. Avoiding a future energy deficit as power demand rises: Energy
exporting countries have become net importers due to dramatic
increases in electricity demand. Energy efficiency programmes
can help slow down the demand and prevent energy deficits in the
future.
Table 1.9 summarises recent international energy labelling activities that
have impacted national economies.
