Rethinking Energy Use Could Cut Global Industrial CO₂ Emissions by 5%
A new study led by researchers from Linköping University suggests that global industrial carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 5%—but only if companies and policymakers adopt a broader view of energy efficiency. Published in Nature Communications, the research emphasizes that focusing solely on new technologies won’t unlock the full potential of emissions reduction.
“We have a far too narrow view of energy efficiency. Many people think that investments in new energy-efficient equipment are enough. But then you can’t fulfil the full potential of energy efficiency,” says Patrik Thollander, Professor in Energy Systems at Linköping University.
The team, which includes experts from several Swedish institutions, argues that meaningful progress requires changes in how organizations approach energy use. This includes embracing system-wide strategies, fostering knowledge-sharing, and cultivating a corporate culture that supports innovation. They’ve identified nine key “social constructions” that can help guide companies in redesigning their energy management practices.
“We estimate that this could lead to a 5% reduction in CO₂ emissions from industry globally. And that’s a rather conservative estimate, it could even be more,” Thollander adds.
With industries emitting 9.2 gigatonnes of CO₂ in 2022, this reduction would equal the annual emissions of ten countries the size of Sweden. The researchers urge interdisciplinary collaboration and policy support to make this shift possible.
