Energetic and Economic Aspects of Rebound, Part I: Foundations of a Rigorous Analytical Framework

Abstract

Widespread implementation of energy efficiency is a key greenhouse gas emissions mitigation measure, but rebound can “take back” energy savings. However, the absence of solid analytical foundations hinders empirical determination of the size of rebound. A new clarity is needed, one that involves both economics and energy analysis. In this paper (Part I), we advance foundations of a rigorous analytical framework for consumer-sided rebound that starts at the microeconomic level and is approachable for both energy analysts and economists. We develop foundations of a framework that (i) clarifies the energy, expenditure, and consumption aspects of rebound, (ii) combines embodied energy with operations, maintenance, and disposal effects (under a new “emplacement effect”), and (iii) provides the first operationalized link between microeconomic and macroeconomic levels. The framework enables determination of the effects of non-marginal energy service price decreases, satiated demand for the energy service, and reduced economy-wide energy demand.