Redefining Energy Demand: A Pathway to Sustainable Development and Lower Emissions in Buildings and Transport

A recent study conducted by scientists from the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) and their collaborators highlights the potential of comprehensive demand-focused strategies in significantly cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from buildings and transport. The findings suggest that implementing these measures could reduce CO2 emissions from buildings by 51-85% and from transport by 37-91% compared to projections under current policies.

The study emphasizes that reducing energy demand not only mitigates emissions but also brings additional benefits such as improved energy security, better air quality, and enhanced food security. “Reducing energy demand also has major benefits beyond greenhouse gas emissions reduction,” said Bas van Ruijven, IIASA Sustainable Service Systems Research Group Leader and a coauthor of the study. He pointed out that these measures contribute to multiple Sustainable Development Goals.

A combination of policy measures has been identified to maximize these benefits. In the buildings sector, strategies such as electrifying energy use through heat pumps, enhancing insulation, and promoting behavioral shifts to lower energy consumption can lead to substantial emissions reductions. Meanwhile, the transport sector can benefit from widespread vehicle electrification, efficiency improvements, and a shift towards public transport and cycling. The study also highlights the potential for these measures to work synergistically, minimizing trade-offs and accelerating decarbonization efforts.

Alessio Mastrucci, senior research scholar at the IIASA Energy, Climate, and Environment Program and a coauthor of the study, underscored the importance of demand-side strategies. “Such strategies could help governments address the root causes of emissions directly, as well as lower energy demand and reduce the need for costly supply-side investments and infrastructure,” he said.

The study utilized quantitative scenarios generated through Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs), which capture interactions between the energy system, economy, and environment. To refine their findings, the researchers also gathered input from policymakers and industry experts in demand sectors.

Rik van Heerden, researcher at the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) and lead author of the study, emphasized the critical role of energy usage in achieving climate goals. “Shifting to renewable energy is vital for achieving net-zero, but how we use energy is just as important,” he stated. “With the right policies and infrastructure, final energy users can make a powerful contribution to reaching climate goals.”

The study highlights the urgent need for governments and policymakers to implement targeted demand-side strategies to complement renewable energy transitions, ensuring a more sustainable and low-carbon future.