Published by BRE Trust

UK rated best for energy efficiency in ranking of major economies

13/7/2012

Scorecard measured economies' use of energy in four categories: buildings, industry, transportation and national efforts 

The UK has taken the top slot an energy efficiency ranking of 12 of the world’s largest economies. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) gave the UK the number one position in its first International Energy Efficiency Scorecard report.

The report measured both policy and performance in 27 areas to see how efficiently economies are using energy. These 27 areas fit into four sections, including buildings, industry, transportation and national efforts. The UK’s top ranking means it uses less energy to achieve the same (or better) results, and reduces costs and pollution, creating a stronger, more viable economy. The UK scored in the top four of each of the four performance areas, and was placed first in two of them: industry and transportation.

The ACEEE measured the energy efficiency of 12 of the world’s largest economies including: UK, Germany, Japan, Italy, France, Australia, the EU, China, the US, Brazil, Canada and Russia. These countries represent more than 78 percent of global gross domestic product (GDP) and 62 percent of global carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.

While the UK’s GDP has doubled since 1970, energy consumption remains at 1970 levels. This means that the UK economy today uses half the amount of energy for the same economic benefit compared with in 1970.

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