Understanding the energy efficiency gap in Singapore: a Motivation, Opportunity, and Ability perspective

We tested this novel framework using data from an industry survey conducted by the Energy Studies Institute, National University of Singapore. Using a partial least squares method, we found that the desire to cut operating costs and firms' know-how to implement energy efficiency both had a positive, statistically significant impact on energy efficiency outcomes. Know-how itself is driven by firms' know-what, which reflects their awareness and fundamental understanding of energy efficiency. Interestingly, the ability to monitor energy efficiency outcomes moderated the impact of cost-driven motivation. By contrast, firms' corporate social responsibility, regulatory compliance, and opportunity to implement energy efficiency were found to have no significant effect on energy efficiency outcomes in the context of the study.