The risks of an energy efficiency policy for buildings based solely on the consumption evaluation of final energy

The concept of energy efficiency is addressed in a way that identifies the risks of policies based strictly on the assessment of the transformation of final energy into useful energy. Considerations of only the efficiency of technologies employed in the final uses may generate distortions in the identification of options that truly preserve natural resources and minimize environmental impacts, especially when different energy sources are used as primary inputs. Herein, the impact of different approaches is discussed through a case study on the regulations of energy efficiency for buildings. The selection of the approach is relevant, especially with regard to a comparative analysis between the use of electricity and other energy sources, such as fuel gases and/or renewable energy. The risks of policies that encourage energy efficiency anchored exclusively in simplified approaches are identified through the analysis of regulations in four countries: Brazil, China, India and Russia. In addition, this work estimates the change in average efficiency of the electricity generation sector for these countries over the period from 1980 to 2008, demonstrating that the assessment of primary energy consumption should guide the policies of energy efficiency.

► We analyzed the risks of energy efficiency policies based solely on the consumption evaluation of final energy.
► We estimated the change in average efficiency of the electricity generation sector of Brazil, China, India and Russia over 1980–2008.
► Simplified and qualitative energy efficiency policies cannot identify which processes consume less primary energy.
► The evaluation of primary energy consumption should guide the policies of energy efficiency.