Measurement of dematerialization/materialization: A case analysis of energy saving and decarbonization in OECD countries, 1960-95

This article establishes a conceptual framework for dematerialization and m aterialization, and develops a complete decomposition model for measuring t hem. Based on our conceptual framework and method, dematerialization in the energy use of the OECD from 1960 to 1995 has been analyzed. During this pe riod, the increase in energy demand was 3597.95 Mtoe. However, the improvem ent of energy efficiency decreased energy demand by 827.20 Mtoe, and struct ural shifts decreased energy demand by 139.04 Mtoe. Thus, real energy deman d only increased by 2631.71 Mtoe, and the energy saved was 966.24 Mtoe and the energy saving rate was 17.98% for this period. The energy saving rate w as about 0.56% per year. In the same period, the increase of CO2 emissions was 9672.95 Mton. The fuel switching, the improvement of energy efficiency, and structural shifts decreased CO2 emissions by 1899.67, 2150.31, and 379 .07 Mton, respectively. Real CO, emissions only increased by 5243.93 Mton, the decarbon was 4429.02 Mton and the decarbonization rate for the period w as 29.57%. The decarbon rate was about 0.997% per year. These results show that significant dematerialization has been achieved in the OECD during thi s period. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.