Economist on how we may not be saving energy after all

Posted September 23, 2010 // Tagged as Blog // 1 Comments ↓

Hereis an article from the Economist that suggests lighting technology improvements will not result in energy savings:
Energy conservation: Not such a bright idea | The Economist

One Response

  1. Jesse Lilley

    September 23rd, 2010 at 10:09

    This is a classic example of the Jevons Paradox at work: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jevons_paradox.

    According to the paradox, improved efficiency increases demand which raises the rate of consumption – potentially counteracting any savings from the increased efficiency in the first place.

    So, in terms of light bulbs, the more efficient they get, the more light we use. Here is another cautionary tale: http://www.kansascity.com/2010/09/13/2219253/lightbulbs-the-more-efficient.html

    Er … Long live the inefficient bulb?