Policy scenarios for energy efficiency improvement in industry

We have investigated three policy scenarios, entailing different degrees of commitment to improve energy efficiency to address the energy, economic an d environmental challenges faced by the US industry. The scenarios reflect alternative views of the urgency with which policymakers and the American p eople will view these challenges and the policies they will seek. The indus try consumes about 37% of primary energy in the United States, and is expec ted to grow under business-as-usual conditions. The policy scenarios find e nergy efficiency improvements from 7% to 17% beyond business as usual by 20 20 for the Moderate and Advanced scenarios, respectively. The study demonst rates that there are substantial potentials for further efficiency improvem ent in the industry. However, an integrated policy framework that accounts for the different characteristics of industrial sector decision-makers, tec hnologies and sectors is needed to achieve these potentials. Published by E lsevier Science Ltd.