Indirect effects from resource sufficiency behaviour in Germany

Abstract

The notion of rebound effects commonly suggests that an efficiency strategy is found to be insufficient to address an absolute reduction of raw material consumption. Advocates of eco-sufficiency claim that renouncing affluent consumption could limit resource consumption appropriately. Still, the literature on sufficiency fails to empirically corroborate their strategy. In this respect, the question is, to what extent sufficiency is prone to rebound effects. This chapter strives to empirically investigate indirect rebound effects arising from sufficiency behaviour. It shows estimates of income elasticities from national surveys on income and expenditures in Germany. Re-spending of savings is analyzed for abatement actions in the fields of housing, mobility and food. The chapter discusses findings concerning rebound effects from sufficiency with respect to policy implications and methodological issues.